Leading article: Fertility made simpler
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Of the many tribulations that face women seeking fertility treatment, the postcode lottery determining who qualifies for how many attempts and at what price is probably the most detested. Close behind, though, must be the hormone treatment that has been a standard part of IVF treatment for so long, with all the discomfort and imbalances it can cause. Now, in what could be one of the most hopeful advances for years, comes in-vitro maturation (IVM).
This method, which has been shown in trials to be as effective for younger women as conventional IVF, dispenses with the need for hormone drugs. So far, about 900 babies have been born worldwide, and the technique is now being used in Britain. With an overall success rate close to that of IVF, and improving, this could be a rare instance of a medical advance that makes things simpler, saves money, and improves the patient's experience all at once. If only this could be the future of more medical research.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments