Fertility society wants age limit for using IVF tech

Nagpur: After a 74-year-old woman delivered twins in Andhra Pradesh with successful use of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique, the debate on over-enthusiastic use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has taken a centre stage.

Dr M Gouri Devi, national president of Indian Fertility Society (IFS), said a law should be framed to put age limit on using the ART on individuals.

“Government is yet to formulate a law to regulate the use of ART. But, the IFS has proactively issued directives to its members on this issue. We have appealed to infertility specialists in the country to apply their mind while imparting treatment and ensure only ethical practice while using the ART. Doctors must think about the future of such kids and who will take care of them when their parents grow too old. We must not misuse the technology,” said Dr Devi during inaugural function of Fertiquest 2019, a one-day annual conference in the city on Sunday.

IFS’s Vidarbha chapter, in association with Nagpur Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (NOGS), had organized this conference in which 40 nationally-acclaimed doctors shared their latest research on ART with more than 250 delegates. The conference broadly covered three subjects — clinical infertility, embryology and endoscopy.

Dr Shilpi Sud, president of IFS Vidarbha chapter and organizing chairperson of the conference, told that infertility currently affects about 10% to 14% of the Indian population. “It is higher in urban areas where one out of six couples is affected. The number is estimated to rise by more than 10% by 2020. Due to lack of knowledge and awareness as well as high cost of treatment, very few patients seek medical advice. We want to reach out to the patients and clear the misconceptions about the technology through such platforms,” she said.

Dr Mamata Deendayal from Hyderabad delivered first late Dr Leena Chimote oration on the occasion. She shared her views on managing congenital genital tract abnormalities. Dr Chaitanya Nagori and Dr Sonal Panchal from Ahmedabad shared their experience of India’s first pregnancy conceived through stem cell therapy for endometrium regeneration. Dr Natchandra Chimote, patron of the IFS, said embryologists and endoscopic surgeons are going to play vital role in future in treatment of infertility.