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In Vitro Linked to Birth Defects

Study finds higher rate of certain defects among babies born with help of technology

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2008 6:59 AM CST

(Newser) – Babies conceived with the help of medical technology are much more likely to suffer from several serious birth defects, a new study finds. Infants whose mothers used in vitro fertilization or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection were around twice as likely to have heart defects or cleft palates and four times as likely to suffer gastrointestinal defects, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The lead author of the study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, emphasized that the defect rate was still relatively low in births using fertility technology. Experts noted that the study did not explore whether the defects could be attributed to the medical procedures themselves, or whether the underlying problems causing infertility in the parents could be responsible.

[Images (2)]

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A new study finds that babies born with the help of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection are likelier to suffer certain birth defects. (Shutter Stock)

A donated human embryo is seen through a microscope at the La Jolla IVF Clinic in California. (Getty Images)

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It is still important for parents who are considering using ART to think about all of the potential risks and benefits of this technology. - Jennita Reefhuis, an epidemologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and lead author of the study

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In Vitro Linked to Birth Defects