IVF highly ineffective, study reports

In vitro fertilization (IVF) -- regarded by some as a potential cure-all for infertile couples but controversial among some pro-lifers -- is a highly ineffective process, according to research reported by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Based on a study of IVF treatments from 2004-08, researchers with the Shady Grove Fertility Center in Maryland found the following results: -- 192,991 eggs were retrieved in 14,324 IVF cycles; -- 110,939 of the eggs were successfully fertilized; -- Only 44,282 proceeded to develop into viable embryos. -- Only 8,366 babies will be born from these embryos, and that is based on the premise that all the frozen embryos will be utilized. As a result, only 7.5 percent of the eggs that are fertilized become children born alive, ASRM reported Oct. 26. Contact: Tom Strode Source: Baptist Press Publish Date: November 9, 2010