The above, of course, is not the typical outcome of in vitro fertilization. No, it is, in fact, a comedy sketch from Canadian troupe the Kids in the Hall and should not, therefore, be taken as science fact–or even, for that matter, a proper cautionary tale.
No, in vitro fertilization has brought much joy to many parents since the first test tube baby, Louise Brown, was born on July 25, 1978. Four million babies have been conceived through this method, all thanks to the work of Robert G. Edwards and Patrick Steptoe.
Edwards, a physiologist who worked at Cambridge University for much of his career, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine this year, thanks to his work in the field. His colleague, Steptoe, doed in 1988.
Edwards and Steptoe’s work was the subject of much criticism over the years, particularly from religious institutions. The Nobel committee addressed this concern in its write up of Edwards, “In retrospect, it is amazing that Edwards not only was able to respond to the continued criticism of in vitro fertilization, but that he also remained so persistent and unperturbed in fulfilling his scientific vision”
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