ABSTRACT
With at least 1%–2% of children in the developed world being born as a result of assisted reproduction techniques, it is essential that we evaluate their physical and emotional/psychological development. In so doing, we must take into consideration their origins:
• Manipulated gametes, for example, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) itself, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro maturation (IVM)
• Cryopreserved gametes or embryos
• Donated gametes or embryos
• Surrogacy
• Non-heterosexual unions, for example, donor insemination of single or lesbian women
When considering risks for the offspring of women treated by assisted reproductive technology (ART; Box 17.1), we should subdivide risks into three categories: rst, specic risks relating to the treatment itself, in other words, the drugs used; second, risks relating to multiple pregnancy; and third, risks relating to the medical condition for which the treatment is required. The various drugs used in assisted conception treatments have not been associated with congenital anomalies or adverse fetal outcome – the main concern in IVF and associated techniques appears to centre around the articial selection of gametes and embryos, the effects of micromanipulation techniques and the possible effects of embryo culture conditions.
