BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI: The Indian Fertility Society (IFS) has strongly condemned the recent IVF treatment in which a 74-year-old woman gave birth to twins, saying the act is mindless misutilization of IVF technologies.

Twins born to Yaramati Mangayamma in Guntur city, Andhra Pradesh, through IVF (in vitro fertilisation) may have brought cheer to many, but the IFS is not amused, a statement said.

The IFS has appealed to all its members and health professionals in India to abstain from such unethical malpractice which may risk the lives of the patients, offsprings and future generation.

Dr M Gouri Devi, president IFS, said, “Such unwarranted incidences have brought us to scientific, spiritual and moral crossroads in the field of reproductive medicine and us as health providers voice a strong objection in unison against such malpractices as they impose a mental and physical threat to the well being of the concerned couple.”

Dr Devi stated, “Clearly the health of the aged parents and the future welfare of the children were disregarded in this case.”

As per Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2017—the reproductive technology services shall not be available to a woman below the age of 18 years and above the age of 45 years.

Dr Pankaj Talwar, Secretary General IFS, said, “We as reproductive health professionals have a great responsibility towards society and couples.”

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Centre, told DTMT, “In such a scenario, where healthcare providers and IVF experts discard age factor in assisted reproduction, we need to urgently to revisit the ART Bill, 2017, which could not get Parliament’s approval so far.”

Dr Bajaj said, “I believe, due to lack of strict regulation through ART laws, we are witnessing a surge in unethical practices and rampant commercialisation of IVF.”

As an IVF expert, I also strongly recommend that the ART should not be made available to women below the age of 18 and above the age of 45. It is a proven fact that women are most fertile between the ages of 15 and 30.

IVF at advanced ages come with risks of pregnancy loss, fetal anomalies, stillbirth, and obstetric complications, Dr Bajaj added.