IVF, Is it Inherently Good?

Recently there has been a growing debate on the efficacy and validity of in vitro fertilization processes. I was thought to believe that IVF was a safe, sound, and a viable option for spouses who are unable to conceive a child naturally, however after learning about this relatively new procedure more intently in my theology class, I have found many disconcerting pieces of information regarding IVF. Even when women are in their prime years and with the ever-enhancing technology, studies show that the average successful fertility rate is still at a low 30 to 35%. With this long procedure you also have to factor in possible health concerns for not only your baby but also the mother. One of the commonest serious side effects from using fertility drugs is a condition known as hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This disease becomes a risk in women who develop more than 20 follicles in response to the fertility drug. Of course symptoms vary from patient to patient, but some of the most common and more serious ones include: kidney failure, ARDS, which is a severe lung disease caused by a variety of direct and indirect issues, and hyperhomocysteinemia, which is having an abnormally large level of homocysteine in the blood. This induces heart disease and can lead to a series of strokes. Mothers who undergo this procedure are relatively unlikely to have such serious effects but the fact that they can occur makes me question the efficacy and morale of the procedure.
Moving on to the actual fetus, studies have also shown some very disheartening causes for the life of the baby who is born under IVF. In 2008, an analysis of the data of the National Birth Defects Study in the US found that certain birth defects were significantly more common in infants conceived through IVF. Some of these defects are septal heart defects, cleft lip, esophageal atresia and anorectal atresia. Aside from the cleft lip, all of these defects are very detrimental to the baby's health and may result to death. Another major concern with IVF is the risk of multiple births. Because in vitro fertilization allows the transferring of multiple embryos and a high dosage of sperm, multiple births are very common. Not only may the spouse not want multiple births but it can also lead to a number of pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss.
After a brief tutorial on the malformations and illnesses that may happen during this relatively new procedure, it’s obvious that this should not be continued. I generally feel that whenever scientists try to manipulate nature, something always goes astray. Even when they try to tamper with our produce and livestock, we eventually begin to see that you cannot control what you make or know if it is actually good for you because complications or fallacies always arise. The human being must be respected as a person from the very instant of existence, but IVF is condemned because it removes the natural way of birth. Using embryos or fetuses for experimentation commits a crime against their dignity as human beings. There are far too many negative consequences in regards to IVF to be explained in full depth but at least I've shown you some of more important factors, both morally and biologically, on this method. Families should withdraw from this expensive and unstable procedure and consider adopting a child instead.

-Mortimer Canepa