“Children conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART), whether by artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have an increased risk of developmental defects and serious illnesses from conception. And the observed health risks increase with the more invasive the technique.”

This is what Dr. Francisco Güell says in his recently published book, “The Last In Vitro.” Dr. Güell, a biologist and PhD, is the author of a significant  study on fertility  (B2-InF:  Be Better Informed about Fertility)  , funded by the European Union, through which he has been able to gather relevant information on the subject in eight European countries.

The book she has just published reveals the true reality of Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). In it, she describes in an accessible, informative essay style the increased risk, both for women undergoing the treatment and for human beings conceived through MAR.

Before listing the various abnormalities that can result from assisted reproductive technology (ART), it’s important to remember that these techniques are performed during the period of regulation and reprogramming of gametes (oocytes and sperm) and the embryo. This is known as epigenetic regulation. During this developmental phase, the physical and chemical manipulations involved in these techniques replace the natural environment, in circumstances where gametes and embryos are particularly susceptible to environmental influence.

Epigenetic mutations can cause health problems in children, affecting body development, metabolism, or organ function in the newborn. The earlier the stage of development, the more severe the impact.

When Güell discusses the health of human beings conceived in vitro, he describes 3 types of risks according to the time of their appearance: 1) congenital defects; 2) those that manifest in the first days of life; 3) those that appear in the medium and long term.

Congenital defects affect the respiratory, skeletal, central nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, and genitourinary systems. A very significant relative increase in risk is also observed for so-called “imprinting disorders” such as Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum (480%), Russell-Silver syndrome (1030%), Angelman syndrome (370%), and Prader-Willi syndrome (120%).

Regarding prematurity and related problems, which manifest in the first days after birth, we can observe a high risk increase of low birth weight (less than 1,500 g) 200%, perinatal death 120%, a greater need for intensive care 100% and a higher incidence of neonatal seizures 880%.

Regarding the increased risk of developing diseases in the medium and long term, retinoblastoma (680%), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (263%), and cerebral palsy (160%) stand out. In general, we can note an increased incidence of some cancers such as leukemia, liver cancer, kidney tumors, and central nervous system tumors, as well as epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, hypertension, ventricular dysfunction, and asthma.

Of course, freezing processes carry with them an additional increased risk of a high number of serious diseases such as pediatric cancer, type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, speech disorders, allergies, Treacher Collins syndrome and spina bifida.

These are some of the conclusions reached by the author, supported by numerous citations from published scientific articles, which gives his statements a rigor beyond any reasonable doubt.

So, one wonders: Why doesn’t this information appear in fertility clinic advertisements? Certainly, it can’t be said that these clinics seriously apply truly informed consent to their clients. The book’s author explains the background of the issue in detail. One of the things he points out is the media blackout regarding the increased risk of disease, since conflicts of interest influence both the conclusions and headlines of publications, as well as the opinions of experts featured in the press. The powerful lobbies of biotechnology companies and industries related to assisted reproductive technology (ART), in which they have invested billions of dollars, manage to place scientific and academic personnel in key positions for organizing conferences, planning research, and producing publications, as well as for the proper presentation of results. A concrete example of the value of fertility companies is the 2023 sale of IVI (Valencian Infertility Institute) for €3 billion to KKR, a global investment firm. With this clear conflict of interest, the news reports and conference conclusions are highly biased, distorting reality. There is a lack of impartial action from global health authorities to ensure the dissemination of accurate information about the low success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the increased risk of diseases attributable to these techniques.

It is important to note that both physicians and directors of assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics are members of associations that own the most prestigious scientific journals. These professionals also serve on the committees that regulate ART practices. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies such as Merck, Organon, Gedeon-Richter, and IBSA fund researchers conducting studies on the potential risks to children conceived through  in-vitro fertilization.  They also subsidize experts who disseminate the results at international conferences. In short, the private industry, which supplies both public and private clinics, funds scientific associations and lobbying groups to achieve global access to ART. The expansion of this industry aims to secure government funding as well. Currently, the French government is promoting these types of solutions to address the demographic challenge.

It is regrettable that a major organization like ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) has removed any form of follow-up for children born through in vitro fertilization from its databases. Governments should exercise their responsibility for health control and oversight through an independent institution. Until the safety of these techniques is demonstrated through scientific procedures, the most prudent course of action would be to prohibit assisted reproductive technology (ART).

On the other hand, the RMA industry is growing thanks to changes in European legislation that will allow the trade of surplus eggs and embryos between different countries. This means that countries where legislation prohibits this trade between their citizens will be able to obtain them from other countries.

Something similar to what happened with tobacco is happening with the RMA (Medical Reduction Act). Health problems stemming from tobacco use began to be observed at the beginning of the 20th century. However, it took decades for tobacco companies to disclose the adverse effects, and this was only thanks to class-action lawsuits. Interestingly, the pioneers of the RMA were already aware of its harmful effects and argued that someone should be responsible for compensating families with children affected by these techniques.

Regarding success rates, the information provided by clinics should be accurate; however, they often present data based on pregnancy rather than live births, which would be more useful for understanding the actual probability of success. This is essential information. One of the world’s leading clinics reports that “nine out of ten couples who consult (…) for infertility problems achieve their goal of becoming parents.” This contrasts sharply with the success rates reported by the French government in 2021 for women aged 45: 1.6%, as well as those published by international associations. Overall, there appears to be a lack of government oversight and an absence of rigorous standards. Furthermore, assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics should inform patients about available alternatives, including restorative medicine, which aims to reverse infertility by identifying and treating its underlying causes. This approach allows for a near-perfect understanding of the root cause. And what is amazing is that the success rates of RMA, without resorting to egg donation, and those of restorative medicine are similar.

Ideally, governments should promote restorative medicine, allocating public funds to best address fertility problems. This option is healthier, less expensive for both the patient and the healthcare system, and, moreover, carries no risks to the patient’s health nor does it increase the risk of serious illnesses in the children born. Ultimately, it should be the first choice for anyone experiencing infertility.

Finally, we must remember that international standards require Informed Consent (IC) that respects patient autonomy. Failure to obtain this consent properly could constitute a criminal offense, in addition to the corresponding civil liabilities. The author, after analyzing various IC forms from RMA clinics, concludes that patients have not been able to freely consent to receiving treatment because they were not adequately informed about success rates and the increased health risks for children born. It should be noted that scientists without conflicts of interest have pointed out for decades that IC forms must include information about the increased risk of diseases in the  in vitro population.

It seems logical that if the authorities of various nations do not act to defend the health of the most vulnerable people and ensure that families receive complete and truthful information, there will likely be a popular mobilization to protect their rights. In this regard, a court ruling has already been issued in which a Spanish clinic was ordered to pay €400,000 to a family due to a lack of information in the informed consent form regarding the likelihood that their daughter, conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) with an egg donor, would be born with a disease.

It is important to emphasize that every human life, whether conceived naturally or through  in-vitro fertilization, is precious, possessing immeasurable dignity, and must be cherished. It fills those who welcome it with joy—rightfully so. It is always a wonderful gift. For this very reason, we must ensure that these new individuals do not suffer the consequences of flawed techniques that significantly increase the risk of numerous and serious illnesses.