Technology Assisted Birth

Infertility zWhy should we talk about it in a parenting class?

Because it affects 1 in 5 couples. That is 6 million American couples.

Infertility Definition: A couples inability to conceive a baby.

Terms you should know: zArtificial Insemination zInvitriofertilization zOvum transfer zSurrogate

Artificial Insemination zDefinition: When the sperm of a donor is inseminated into the uterus. z It could be the sperm of the spouse or a donor that you have never met. Artificial insemination does not necessarily mean that you used a sperm bank.

Invitriofertilization zDefinition: The egg is fertilized in the lab and reinserted into the uterus. z The doctor picks the very best embryo(s) to insert. The doctor can test for birth defects, male and female, etc.

The first IVF child in the U.S. was in 1981.

Ovum Transfer zDefinition: a donor egg is used for the invitrio- fertilization.

Surrogates zDefinition: When another woman carries the fertilized egg to term.

Since 1981, the multiple birth rate has more than tripled in the United States.

Infertility treatments have pros and cons. zA couple needs the facts to make wise decisions.

Risks for Multiples z47 times more_________

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy

Risks for Multiples z1/3 die by____.

Risks for Multiples z47 times more cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by first birthday

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more ___ ___

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower _______

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower I.Q.

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower I.Q. zSlower at ____ and ____

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower I.Q. zSlower at walking and talking

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower I.Q. zSlower at walking and talking zMore ____ problems

Risks for Multiples z47 times more Cerebral Palsy z1/3 die by 1st birthday z3 times more severe handicaps zLower I.Q. zSlower at walking and talking zMore respiratory problems

Are there more problems? Both legal and moral issues have arisen because of technology assisted birth.

Issue #1 zExtra eggs being stolen or used without the donor’s permission.

Issue #2 zFertilized eggs being stolen or used without donor permission.

Issue #3 zWhat is the appropriate selling price for eggs and sperm?

Issue #4 zIf too many embryos attach, should you remove some of them or is that abortion?

Issue #5 zIs it fair to have multiples when you know the health risks?

Issue #6 zWhat are the laws related to surrogate mothers?

Issue #7 zShould people be allowed to select the sex of their baby?

Issue #8 zAre sperm banks regulated enough?

Issue #9

Is it o.k. to use a dead man’s sperm without his permission?

You be the judge! If you find yourself seeking help for infertility, ask questions and make informed decisions.