Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Birth Defects, IVF Linked, but How Linked?

Study finds increased genetic issues among test tube babies

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 17, 2009 11:03 AM CST

(Newser) – Though the octuplets have pushed in vitro fertilization into the spotlight, there's still one question that's going largely unasked, reports the New York Times: "What is the chance that an IVF baby will have a birth defect?" Though a November study provided preliminary evidence—of 9,584 babies with birth defects, 2.4% were conceived through IVF—and the risk appears minimal, scientists want to know more...but they're largely the only ones.

The head of IVF at a Boston hospital says not a single patient has been deterred by the mention of increased risk for rare genetic disorders included on the consent firm. Another IVF director echoes her experience: “I have never had a patient ask me anything” about it, he said, adding, “For that matter, not many doctors have ever asked, either.”

This image made from a 2006 video provided by KTLA shows Nadya Suleman looking at a ultrasound of her unborn twins at an in-vitro fertilization clinic in Los Angeles.
This image made from a 2006 video provided by KTLA shows Nadya Suleman looking at a ultrasound of her unborn twins at an in-vitro fertilization clinic in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/KTLA)
Embryologist Ric Ross holds a dish with human embryos at the La Jolla IVF Clinic February 28, 2007 in La Jolla, Calif.
Embryologist Ric Ross holds a dish with human embryos at the La Jolla IVF Clinic February 28, 2007 in La Jolla, Calif.   (Getty Images)
A donated human embryo is seen through a microscope at the La Jolla IVF Clinic February 28, 2007 in La Jolla, Calif.
A donated human embryo is seen through a microscope at the La Jolla IVF Clinic February 28, 2007 in La Jolla, Calif.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Octomom Doc Loses License

Octomom Sells Bra in Bid to Fend Off Foreclosure

Inside the Octo-Family Circus

Octomom for Halloween: Preggo Nun

Inside the Octomom TV Special


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne