Features > The Dangers of IVF
< We Are Small | Features | Loving the Unknown Neighbor >

The Dangers of IVF

By Robyn Broyles, January 27, 2010 11:08



Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an IVF techniqueWhat are the dangers of IVF (in vitro fertilization) to children? Evidence has been mounting that babies face increased health risks with IVF.  As far back as 2003, MSNBC reported on suspicions of increased risk of birth defects in IVF-conceived children. Since then, research has shown that children conceived in a petri dish face greater risks of genetic defects and low birthweight. (For more on the problems with IVF, read Rebecca Taylor's blog Mary Meets Dolly, which reports regularly on this issue.)

Diseases Affecting IVF Children

Cleft lip in a babyA number of disorders are more likely to affect IVF-conceived children than naturally-conceived children. One of these is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), an overgrowth disorder associated with specific birth defects and an increased risk of cancer. A study published in the journal Human Reproduction in 2009 showed strong evidence, despite a small sample size, that IVF children are at a greater risk of suffering from BWS. Other problems that are more likely to affect IVF-conceived children include heart defects, cleft lip and palate (pictured at left), structural flaws of the gastrointestinal tract, Angelman syndrome (causing developmental delay and seizures), Silver-Russell syndrome (a form of dwarfism), and OEIS complex (a cluster of several severe birth defects). (Reefuis et al., 2009; Fauque et al., 2008; El-Hattab et al., 2010)

How IVF Affects Embryos

Nucelosome complex of DNA and proteinsThe genes of an embryo conceived through IVF are no different from the genes of a naturally-conceived embryo. The increased risks with IVF come from other factors. For example, a fertilized egg, like all cells, has an internal structure called a cytoskeleton, and this structure is a major factor in how the cell divides, which in turn affects the entire course of development. And the expression of genes in DNA is regulated by molecular changes in proteins, RNA, and other molecules associated with the DNA; the study of how these changes affect gene expression is called epigenetics. The changes in cell structure and epigenetic factors that are associated with IVF can lead to health problems for the child.

In the study on BWS, the researchers found that in children with the disorder, more cases were due to epigenetic changes (in this case, loss of a form of gene regulation called methylation) was much more prevalent in IVF-conceived children than in naturally-conceived children.

Treating Infertility Without IVF

A 2005 article in Human Molecular Genetics acknowledged the increased risk of epigenetic-related birth defects in IVF, but pointed out that these epigenetic problems, and the infertility that led the parents to seek artificial reproductive technology, could possibly be related. In fact, since ART procedures rarely investigate the underlying cause of infertility, little is known about how the parents' difficulty with natural conception may affect the health of their children.

A less known (and less profitable) alternative to ART is therapy that seeks to identify and treat the underlying causes of infertility. In addition to avoiding the risks associated with IVF, this treatment modality has the advantage of potentially improving the parents' health by identifying unsuspected health problems. Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTech), an approach developed by the Catholic Pope Paul VI Institute, is one example of this treatment modality.

The impressive success rates reported by NaProTech show that IVF is not necessary for infertile couples seeking a pregnancy with a good outcome. These couples don't need to accept the dangers of IVF to their children, not to mention the exorbitant cost and ethical dilemmas. Infertility can be treated without endangering the health of children.

Image information

Top right: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an IVF technique. Photo by "Eermolovich" on Wikimedia Commons. (CC) Some rights reserved.

Left: Baby with a cleft lip. Photo by Justin Walther. (CC) Some rights reserved.

Bottom right: Cartoon diagram of the structure of the nucleosome, made of chromatin (DNA and proteins). Drawing by "Zephyris) on English Wikipedia. Licensed under the GFDL.

Permalink

Tags: ivf, ethics, reproductive technology, family, health

If you liked this article, you may also like:

Comments on “The Dangers of IVF”

* Required Fields. Email will not be shown.
Help