The history of IVF dates back to the 1930s when a Harvard University Scientist, Gregory Pincus successfully conducted IVF experiments on rabbits. It was not until the 1970s, that the process became available to women when Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards worked with an infertile couple, John and Lesley Brown. Their attempt was successful and on July 25, 1978, Leslie gave birth to Louise Brown, the first “test tube baby.”

The second test tube baby was born shortly after in 1979, a boy named Alastair, and by 1981, the total number of successful attempts at IVF stood at 15. Current day, millions of babies have been born as a result of IVF. Techniques and science have improved over the years. Then, it was more demanding for patients. Women stayed in hospitals for 2 to 3 weeks to have their eggs harvested. Patients had to give a urine sample every 3 hours because that was the only way doctors could monitor hormone levels!

IVF has greatly advanced and has helped many infertile couples conceive when adoption was once their only option to grow their family.

Assisted reproduction is taking off, giving hope to millions of infertile individuals and couples. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, is proud to be a part of this movement. Call us as you think about enhancing your family. We can help you.