What are the effects of IVF on children?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a modern medical technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams through assisted reproductive technology. Driven by technology, IVF has become the choice of more and more couples. However, IVF has also had a certain impact on children themselves. From physical health to psychological development, this article will elaborate on its impact from four aspects.
good health
In the process of IVF, IVF often needs to be achieved through in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer. These processes may have an impact on children's physical health.
First, the process of IVF embryo transfer usually requires the use of drugs, which may have an impact on the child's development. Although doctors will control the drug dosage according to specific conditions, individual differences are still unavoidable.
Secondly, the process of embryo transfer requires that embryos be placed in the uterus, which may lead to premature pregnancy. Premature pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth and birth defects.
Finally, IVF babies often need to undergo multiple pregnancies and embryo transfers, which may increase the risk to children's health. Long term drug treatment and surgical operation may damage the body to some extent.
Genetic disease
IVF babies may also be at risk of genetic diseases. The fertilized eggs used for IVF are often donated by parents or other relatives, which means that children may bear the risk of family genetic diseases.
Although doctors will conduct genetic tests before IVF surgery, the risk of carrying gene mutations cannot be completely ruled out. In some rare cases, children may suffer from serious genetic diseases, which is a huge challenge for children and the whole family.
In addition, the biological parents of IVF may have a certain risk of genetic diseases. This means that even if the child is not directly affected by the gene mutation, the genetic disease may still be transmitted in the family.
Psychological development
The psychological development of IVF may also be affected. Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF babies may face some different psychological pressures.
First of all, IVF may have a different sense of identity from others in the process of growth. They may have questions about their birth in a special way, and may be discriminated against or misunderstood by the social environment.
In addition, parents of IVF babies often have to go through a long-term treatment process, which may also have an impact on their psychological state. Parents' anxiety and the way they deal with stress may affect their children's psychological development.
Finally, IVF babies may be under great pressure from family relationships and expectations. Parents hope to have healthy children through IVF technology, which may bring additional burdens and expectations to children.
social influence
The emergence of IVF has had many impacts on society. On the one hand, it breaks the traditional concept of fertility and changes people's definition of pregnancy and life. The emergence of IVF has also enabled more infertile couples to have their own children, promoting social progress.
On the other hand, the high cost of IVF makes couples with different economic backgrounds face the pressure of burden and choice. This may lead to the widening of the gap between rich and poor and inequality in society.
In summary, the impact of IVF on children includes physical health, genetic diseases, psychological development and social impact. Although IVF technology provides hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally, they also need to recognize the risks and challenges. Future research should continue to focus on and improve IVF technology to minimize the negative impact on children.
