What are the effects of IVF on children?
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF technology aims to help couples who are unable to conceive naturally due to physiological reasons realize their reproductive dreams. However, many people have some doubts about IVF technology, fearing that this technology may have adverse effects on children. Next, we will discuss the potential impact of IVF on children from four aspects.
1. Genetic factors
In vitro fertilization (IVF) in IVF technology enables parents to select suitable embryos for implantation, thus avoiding the transmission of some genetic diseases. This may be a blessing for couples with genetic diseases. However, this has also raised some concerns, some people worry that this will lead to the reduction of genetic diversity, which may increase the risk of some diseases.
However, in fact, IVF technology does not have a significant impact on genetic factors. Even though the genes of children born through IVF are obtained through IVF, their genomes are still similar to those of naturally conceived children. IVF technology is mainly an auxiliary means in the process of pregnancy, which cannot substantially change the genetic factors of children.
In addition, in some special cases, IVF technology can also help couples to select embryos with advantageous gene combinations, thus improving children's intelligence and health potential.
2. Psychological influence
Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF technology may bring some psychological pressure to both spouses. The psychology during pregnancy is increasingly a special emotional experience, but the process of IVF may make couples feel anxious and nervous. They may worry about the success rate of the operation, the health condition of the embryo and the complications of pregnancy.
However, the progress of IVF technology and the accumulation of clinical experience have greatly reduced the incidence of these psychological pressures. Hospitals such as the "San Francisco IVF Center" of the University of California, San Francisco, provide psychological counseling services to help couples cope with the situation where babies are not available.
In addition, the success rate of IVF technology has increased year by year, and most couples can finally achieve their reproductive aspirations. Successful pregnancy and the birth of a baby can ease the psychological pressure of couples, and bring great happiness and satisfaction.
3. Social identity
The birth of IVF may have some impact on social identity. Due to the novelty and irregularity of IVF technology, some people may have some prejudice against IVF families. This may have an impact on children's self-identity and emotional health during their growth.
However, with the popularization of IVF technology and the change of social concepts, more and more people accept the IVF family, believing that its family and reproductive mode are no different from those of natural pregnancy families. In addition, in the era of rapid development of science and technology, the acceptance of different birth methods is also gradually increasing.
4. Health problems
Some people worry that IVF may increase the health problems of infants. Research shows that there is no significant difference in health between IVF and naturally conceived infants. In fact, IVF babies generally have no obvious congenital defects or other health risks.
Of course, the success rate of IVF technology is not 100%, nor does it mean that the child has no disease at birth. Children's health is related to family genes, pregnancy care, living environment and other factors. However, under appropriate medical conditions, IVF technology will not increase the potential health risks of children.
summary
To sum up, the impact of IVF technology on children is multifaceted. From four aspects of genetic factors, psychological impact, social identity and health problems, IVF technology has little impact on children. On the contrary, IVF technology provides couples who are unable to conceive naturally with the opportunity to realize their reproductive dreams. Most IVF babies are healthy and intellectually normal, without obvious adverse effects.
