In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a possible path to parenthood for individuals and couples who may not be able to conceive naturally. Before considering it, though, it’s important to understand the process and its value for those who want to start or grow their family. 

This process combines an egg and sperm outside of the body, typically in a test tube. Mature eggs must be collected from the ovaries and fertilized in a laboratory or medical setting. When fertilized eggs create embryos, one or more of these embryos are placed into the uterus where they can develop. For those who have infertility issues or genetic concerns, IVF is a very common choice.

Women who have ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage, endometriosis, or similar concerns may not have success in trying to conceive naturally. That can also be true for men who have low sperm counts or issues with sperm motility. An embryo created during an IVF cycle is sometimes implanted into a gestational carrier, who carries the baby for a couple or individual who isn’t able to carry to term on their own.

Because an IVF cycle often creates several embryos, the unused embryos can be frozen for later use. Then, if the implanted embryo doesn’t take hold and create a pregnancy, a frozen embryo can be used without needing to go through another cycle of harvesting eggs and creating more embryos. That can make the process easier, but not every cycle of IVF will produce healthy, viable embryos.

With recent court rulings in several states, the future of this medical procedure could be at risk. That could stop people from starting or growing their families, and limit their ability to have children through reproductive assistance technology. Data from 2021 shows that 2.3% of children born that year were conceived through the use of reproductive technology options, including IVF.

With that in mind, it’s important to have a good understanding of how IVF works and the value it provides. This can help make it easier to talk with others and remove the stigma that is sometimes associated with infertility.

If you are considering IVF or other fertility treatments, working with a reproductive rights attorney can help you protect your rights and interests. Some of the services we provide to assist our clients include counseling future parents, surrogates, egg donors, sperm donors and embryo donors on the state of the law with respect to the different reproduction methods available; drafting of contract(s) between the parents and their surrogate, egg donor, sperm donor or embryo donor; and assisting future parents in finalizing their parental rights. Contact us today to learn more!