Concerns over IVF practices in the US

Nadya Suleman, who is single, unemployed, and already has six children, gave birth to six boys and two girls, reported the Washington Post of February 4, 2009. The news caused widespread concern over the lack of regulation of IVF clinics and on how in vitro fecundation is being used. The birth of the octuplets is an example of irresponsible use of reproductive technology.

Nearly a third of IVF births in the United States result in twins or more, reported the New York Times on February 12, 2009. In fact, in contrast to many other countries, there are no limits on how many embryos IVF clinics can implant in a woman’s womb in the US.

The New York Times cited data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention revealing that in 1996, there were 64,681 IVF procedures performed in 330 clinics. In 2009 the number of procedures rose to 134,260 in more than 483 clinics across the country. In total, each year more than 50,000 children are born as a result of IVF procedures in the US. Multiple births are far from the only issue associated with IVF. Shortly after the news of the octuplets, the New York Times, on February 17, 2009, published a lengthy article on the genetic risks involved with the use of IVF.

Researchers are increasingly concerned over changes that might occur in embryos that are grown outside the womb for several days before being implanted. Some studies have found that there may be abnormal gene development and an increase in genetic disorders due to IVF.

In par.6 of the Instruction Dignitas Personae, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith states: “… The origin of human life has its authentic context in marriage and in the family, where it is generated through an act which expresses the reciprocal love between a man and a woman. Procreation which is truly responsible vis-à-vis the child to be born must be the fruit of marriage”.