Treating Infertility: From witch craft to cloning

Recent reports in newspapers regarding claims of attempted human cloning have caused a flutter in the scientific community. The ethics of such a venture are being debated among intelligentia, religious and political circles. Are we standing at the brink of another breakthrough in infertility management or there is a disaster waiting to happen? Scientists are playing Gods? We are trying to create life, new species or Frankenstein’s monsters?

Way back in 1978-79 when I was a OBGYN student there were similar debates, uproar and criticism when Luise Jo Brown was born through IVF. So strong was the social desire and demand that this experiment which was never tested rigorously for safety and efficacy on animals was accepted rapidly world over. Fortunately it has withstood the test of time and has become the standard of care now. IVF has proven to be a boon for millions of infertile couples. Nearly 1-2% all births are through IVF in developed countries.

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