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In vitro fertilisation linked to birth defects
by Scott Gilbreath ~ November 18th, 2008
A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that babies conceived by assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilisation, are two to four times more likely than naturally conceived babies to develop heart abnormalities and other birth defects.
The findings applied to single births only, not to twins or other multiples. The defects included heart problems, cleft lip, cleft palate and abnormalities in the esophagus or rectum. But those conditions are rare to begin with, generally occurring no more than once in 700 births, so the overall risk was still low, even after the fertility treatments. Cleft lip, for instance, typically occurs in 1 in 950 births in the United States, and the study found that the risk about doubled, to approximately 1 in 425, among infants conceived with the fertility treatments.
The procedures that increased the risk were so-called assisted reproductive techniques, like in vitro fertilization, which require doctors and technicians to work with eggs and sperm outside the body. The study did not include women who only took fertility drugs and did not have procedures performed.
This study has found an unexplained correlation and should not be taken as proof that IVF causes or contributes to birth defects. Further research needs to be done with larger samples before any causal relationship can be inferred. Still, one would think these results should be discussed with any would-be parents. Informed consent requires full disclosure of all known risk factors.
In related news, the Quebec Liberal party has promised full public funding of up to two IVF procedures for infertile women wanting babies. This reverses the earlier stand of the health ministry that the procedures are not health related, too costly, and have a high failure rate.
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