A new book debunking the mystery and myths surrounding the science behind the birth of the first IVF baby, Louise Brown, has been published
The book, entitled Presenting the First Test-tube Baby, looks to set the record straight by providing the lost papers that the scientific community sought and reveals a series of breakthroughs that has resulted in more than eight million babies being born worldwide.
When doctors Steptoe, Edwards and Purdy announced the birth of the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, 45 years ago it was an international sensation. But there was also disbelief from some colleagues over this miraculous birth and the IVF pioneers were criticised for not sharing their secrets within a scientific publication.
To celebrate the book and the contributions made by so many there was a reception held at Bourn Hall, the world’s first IVF clinic, attended by current clinicians from regional hospitals. Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director of Bourn Hall.
Dr Papathananasiou said: “The passion that drove Steptoe, Edwards and Purdy was the desire to enable a couple to have their own child. This is a passion that motivates us today, it is an honour to continue their work and to support those that are pushing back the frontiers of reproductive science.”
The book, edited by Fiona Kisby Littleton, Susan Bewley and James Owen Drife, revealed that Steptoe, Edwards and Purdy wanted to be confident that “more than one baby could be conceived by these means” before they published their findings in detail in an academic journal.
It was not until several months after their second IVF child, Alastair MacDonald, was born and proved to be healthy that they finally published three papers in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in September 1980. This coincided with the opening of their clinic Bourn Hall to respond to the demand for treatment which arose after Louise’s birth.
The reception was attended by Louise Brown and Alastair MacDonald, with his mother Grace.
Louise Brown, who spoke at the reception, said: More than 200 women attended the little cottage hospital in Oldham. My mum tried for ten years to have a baby and was the first to be able to raise a child as a result of the programme, but they all contributed to its success. My birth brought hope to people worldwide. This book provides an important record for the future, capturing the early days of IVF that might otherwise be lost for ever.”
