IVF babies at higher risk of birth defects

Published on Saturday 21 March 2009 18:34

COUPLES seeking IVF treatment will be warned that children born as a result of the fertility procedure may have a higher risk of birth defects, it has emerged.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's updated guidance will refer to findings that test-tube babies could be up to 30% more likely to suffer from certain health problems and genetic flaws.

The Government's watchdog on fertility issues has amended its guidance to enable parents to have information about recent studies raising concerns about IVF.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention found IVF babies suffered from higher rates of conditions such as heart valve defects, cleft lip and palate, and digestive system abnormalities.

Patients will be able to access the HFEA's advice on potential risks on its website from next month. The HFEA will also make clear that the majority of babies born by IVF are healthy.

More than 12,000 babies were born in 2006 as a result of IVF, according to HFEA figures. A spokesman said: "Following the publication of a US study into birth defects, HFEA's scientific and clinical advances committee reviewed our guidance and advice about the risks of treatment.

"As with any medical procedure, it is important that patients understand what the treatment involves and what the risks may be. Our code of practice says that clinicians must tell patients about the possible side-effects and risks of treatment, including any risks for the child.

"With new legislation being introduced later this year, HFEA is also revising and updating the patient information it provides on its website.

Anyone who has concerns about their treatment should discuss this with their doctor."

IVF specialist Richard Kennedy, of the British Fertility Society, said: "We have known for some time that there is a slightly increased risk of abnormalities for all IVF treatments. It is only right that patients should be told about this.

"What we need to remember is that the overall risks of an abnormality occurring is increased with IVF, but it is still a small risk."