Pros of In vitro fertilisation (IVF):
Increased chances of pregnancy: IVF can increase the chances of pregnancy for couples who have struggled with infertility or have other reproductive issues.
Genetic testing: IVF allows for genetic testing of embryos, which can help identify potential genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before implantation.
Control over timing: IVF allows for greater control over the timing of pregnancy, which can be particularly beneficial for women who are older or have medical conditions that make pregnancy more challenging.
Donor eggs and sperm: IVF can use donor eggs or sperm, which can be helpful for couples who have difficulty conceiving due to issues with their own eggs or sperm.
Surrogacy: IVF can also be used in conjunction with surrogacy to help couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy to term.
Cons of In vitro fertilisation (IVF):
Expensive: IVF can be expensive, with costs varying depending on location and the specific procedures required.
Physical and emotional stress: IVF can be physically and emotionally stressful for both partners, requiring numerous medical appointments, hormone injections, and invasive procedures.
Multiple pregnancies: IVF can increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, which can carry increased risks for both the mother and the babies.
No guarantees: There are no guarantees of success with IVF, and the procedure may need to be repeated several times before a successful pregnancy occurs.
Ethical concerns: There are ethical concerns surrounding the use of donor eggs and sperm, as well as the possibility of creating embryos for research purposes. Additionally, the decision to discard or freeze unused embryos can be ethically complex.