Going back to basics to make IVF affordable

SINCE the first test-tube baby was born more than three decades ago, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has evolved into a highly sophisticated lab procedure. Now, scientists are going back to basics and testing a simpler and cheaper method.

In the West, many would-be parents spend thousands for IVF, which involves pricey incubators and extensive screening. But European and American scientists say a simplified version of the entire procedure aimed at developing countries could be done for about €200 with generic fertility drugs and basic lab equipment that would fit inside a shoebox.

“IVF is made to sound complicated but the fact is that the early embryo is not very demanding,” said Jonathan Van Blerkom, a fertility expert at the University of Colorado.