• Article Tools
• Print
• RSS

Nature Does Nothing in Vain

New Research Shows Dangers of In-Vitro Fertilization

by Margaret Datiles 

New research and studies analyzing the risks and adverse health effects of in-vitro fertilization show us what we already know: When it comes to the creation of new human beings, God does it best.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of in-vitro fertilization where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, has been linked to increased risks of stillbirth, as well as infertility and other severe health disorders in the next generation. ICSI is widely used and accounts for at least two-thirds of assisted conceptions in Europe since the technique’s development in Brussels in 1992.

Dr. Andre Van Steirteghem, one of the primary inventors of ICSI, spoke about the dangers of ICSI at the 2010 Advancing Science Serving Society’s (ASSS) conference.  He stated that the procedure can pass on genetic diseases such as infertility, diabetes, heart disease and obesity to future generations. Other studies have linked ICSI to disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedmann Syndrome and Angleman Syndrome.

Why does ICSI present increased health risks to the future generation? One major reason is because ICSI bypasses the natural sperm selection process that occurs automatically in a woman’s body during natural reproduction.

When a child is conceived naturally, it is the result of a fertilization process in which healthy sperm are selected over defective sperm to fertilize the egg. During sexual intercourse, a fertile male releases an average of 400 million sperm; of that 400 million, only 1% survive and make it to the egg. Thick cervical mucous, the acidity of the uterus and physical forces make the sperm’s journey to the egg difficult. These difficulties function as a natural selection process that eliminates millions of genetically defective sperm and increases the chance of a healthy offspring. 

Considering these biological facts, it is clear that natural human reproduction happens the way it does for a reason, and a good one at that! Aristotle fully recognized this principle when he famously wrote, “Nature does nothing in vain.” 

During his talk, Dr. Van Seirteghem referenced the disadvantages of ICSI and specifically warned that the procedure can allow and enable fertilization with a genetically defective sperm.  He also emphasized that ICSI is currently being overused.  Dr. Allen Pacey of the University of Sheffield agreed, stating during the conference that, considering the health risks of ICSI, “the sensible thing is to only use ICSI when absolutely necessary.”

A 2010 study published last month by Oxford University’s Human Reproduction journal reveals similar findings on the health risks of ICSI. “IVF and stillbirth: a prospective follow-up study,” by Drs. K. Wisborg, H.J. Ingerslev and T.B. Henricksen concluded that:

Compared with fertile women, women who conceived by IVF/ICSI had an increased risk of stillbirth that was not explained by confounding.  Our results indicate that the increased risk of stillbirth seen after fertility treatment is a result of the fertility treatment or unknown factors pertaining to couples who undergo IVF/ICSI.

The study also found that IVF/ICSI has more than four times the risk of stillbirth in comparison to other forms of artificial reproductive technologies.

The status of natural reproduction as the safest, most superior method of human reproduction is a first-rate example of the complimentary relationship of faith and reason.

In Dignitas Personae, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “The origin of human life has its authentic context in marriage and in the family, where it is generated through an act which expresses the reciprocal love between a man and a woman.”  He specifically stated that ICSI is morally illicit because it causes “a complete separation between procreation and the conjugal act.”

Pope Benedict also declared that ICSI “entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person."

Not only is the ICSI procedure contrary to the Catholic faith, it is also physically dangerous and disfavored by science. 

In short, the new scientific studies on in-vitro fertilization help us appreciate the truth of our faith regarding artificial reproductive technologies. They also allow us to reflect on the goodness and beauty of God’s design and His purpose for all that He has created.

---

(The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Headline Bistro or the Knights of Columbus.)