.jpg)
Infertility can be a tough road, and for many people, IVF has become a lifeline. This revolutionary technology has helped countless families achieve their dreams of parenthood. If you've ever wondered how this groundbreaking treatment came to be, you’re not alone.
The history of IVF is full of trial, error, and moments of hope that have changed countless lives. Let's take a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of IVF and how it has evolved to become the widely used fertility treatment we know today.
When did IVF first begin?
The story of IVF begins long before its successful implementation in humans. Scientists and researchers had been experimenting with the concept of fertilization outside the body for decades.
The mid-20th century marked significant progress in understanding human reproduction. In 1944, two American scientists, John Rock and Miriam Menkin, achieved the first known fertilization of a human egg in a laboratory setting. While this was a groundbreaking moment, it would take a few more decades before IVF could result in a successful human pregnancy.
Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s, when British scientists Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards teamed up to figure out how to make it work in real life, with their hard work paying off in 1978 with the birth of the first IVF baby.
Who was the first woman to have an IVF baby?
Lesley Brown, who had struggled with infertility for almost a decade, took a leap of faith with the experimental procedure. She became the first woman to have a baby through IVF, and her daughter, Louise, made history on July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England. The process back then wasn’t as streamlined as it is today, but her courage helped pave the way for millions of families.
Lesley had been unable to conceive due to blocked fallopian tubes. The success of Louise's birth gave hope to millions of women worldwide who faced similar fertility challenges. It's hard to imagine the mix of excitement and apprehension Lesley must have felt as she embarked on this untried medical journey — a feeling many women still experience today when starting their IVF journey.
It’s a riveting story, too — so much so that Netflix made Lesley’s IVF story into the hit movie, Joy, in 2024. It’s pretty much fundamental watching for anyone considering IVF (and a beautiful story even for those who aren’t).
How old is the oldest IVF baby?
At the time of this article, Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby, is 45 years old. It's incredible to think that in less than half a century, a technology that once seemed like science fiction has become a common medical procedure. Louise's birth marked the beginning of a new era in reproductive medicine, paving the way for millions of IVF babies born since.
When did IVF gain popularity?
While Louise Brown's birth was a watershed moment, IVF didn't immediately become widespread. In the early years, success rates were low, and the procedure was expensive and not widely available. However, as techniques improved and more clinics began offering the treatment, IVF gradually gained acceptance and popularity.
The 1980s saw significant advancements in IVF technology. In 1981, the first IVF clinic in the US opened its doors. By 1985, more than 1,000 IVF babies had been born worldwide. As success rates improved and more women shared their positive experiences, the demand for IVF continued to grow.
Why is IVF more common now?
IVF is much more common today, accounting for more than 99% of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures in the US alone, and responsible for over 12 million babies born around the world since its debut.
Why? One major factor is the improved success rates. Over the years, advancements in medical technology, a better understanding of reproductive health, and refined techniques have significantly boosted the chances of a successful pregnancy through IVF — it’s now successful in almost 50% of cases for women under 35. Clinics can now select the most viable embryos, optimize hormone treatments, freeze eggs, and offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), making the process more reliable than ever before and giving more people control over their fertility.
Greater awareness has also played a huge role. Fertility struggles are being talked about more openly, both in personal conversations and on public platforms. Social media, celebrities sharing their journeys, and support networks (like Rescripted!) have reduced the stigma around infertility and IVF. This openness has empowered more people to seek help and explore assisted reproductive technologies without shame or fear.
Changing family dynamics have made IVF increasingly relevant. Many people are choosing to start families later in life due to career goals, financial stability, or personal growth. Since fertility declines with age, IVF has become a crucial option for those who want children but face age-related challenges.
Financial access has also improved. While IVF can still be expensive, more insurance plans now cover fertility treatments, and some governments offer financial assistance. This expanded access has made it possible for more people from different backgrounds to afford IVF, removing a significant barrier that existed in the past.
IVF is also no longer just for infertile couples. Its applications have expanded to include same-sex couples, single parents by choice, and individuals who carry genetic conditions they don’t want to pass on. This diversity in usage has made IVF a versatile and essential tool for modern family-building.
The future of IVF
As we reflect on the history of IVF, it's clear that this technology has come a long way since its inception — and it wasn’t even that long ago that the first IVF baby was born! From a controversial and experimental procedure to a widely accepted fertility treatment, IVF has transformed the lives of millions of families worldwide.
As research continues and technology advances, who knows what the future of reproductive medicine might hold? Some studies suggest that 10% of all children around the world could be born via IVF. We can only hope it’ll be made more accessible for people of all backgrounds — after all, fertility is a human right.
One thing is certain: the invention of IVF has forever changed the landscape of human reproduction, offering hope and possibilities that were once unimaginable.
Whether you're considering IVF, know someone who's been through it, or are simply curious about this groundbreaking technology, understanding its history helps us appreciate the incredible journey of scientific discovery that has made it possible. The story of IVF is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of solutions to help people realize their dreams of parenthood.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.
