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Regulator warns against having twins from IVF
5 April 2007
| Key facts |
- IVF regulations currently allow a maximum of two embryos to be implanted in women under 40, and a maximum of three in women over 40.
- IVF children and their mothers can have serious complications from twin births. Twins are more vulnerable because they are more likely to be born too early and too small.
- The only way to reduce the chance of having more than one baby from IVF is to transfer only one embryo in women at most risk of having twins.
- The 'One child at a time' report published last year said women with a good chance of IVF success should have embryos implanted one at a time. Additional eggs could be frozen and implanted separately.
- The report also concluded that for this group of women, having a single embryo transferred, in combination with effective embryo freezing, doesn't reduce the chance of pregnancy.
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The number of couples having twins or triplets from in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) needs to be slashed, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Having 'multiple births' from IVF is associated with health problems for both the child and mother and is the single biggest risk from IVF according to Shirley Harrison, Chair of the HFEA.
The regulator has challenged the public to find a way to reduce multiple births. Shirley Harrison said, "It is our primary job as a regulator to make sure that IVF treatment is safe and appropriate. We want clinics to reduce multiple births and minimise the risks for both mothers and the children they are carrying."
The HFEA will consult both patients and health professionals over the next three months to find the best way of reducing multiple births after IVF. The key aim is to find the most effective way to do this whilst still allowing clinicians to tailor their treatment to each woman's individual circumstances - and without prejudicing her chances of IVF success.
"The most important thing that we are looking for in this consultation is to find a solution that is workable in practice for all involved," said Shirley Harrison.
The HFEA has outlined a number of objectives to help reduce multiple birth rates. These include increasing awareness of the risks and encouraging patients to transfer a single embryo. Another objective is to limit the number of twins born as a result of IVF where appropriate and to develop guidance for clinics.
Findings from the consultation will be reported in the autumn this year.
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