A Worlds First...

Just watched Netflix's newly released film 'Joy' which tells the remarkable story of the world's first successful IVF pregnancy resulting in the birth of Louise Brown in 1978. I am fascinated by this incredible story of tenacity, scientific breakthrough and the development of a treatment that gave hope to thousands of people worldwide both then and now. It's hard to comprehend just how controversial a treatment this was in the late 1970's.

Patrick Steptoe & Bob Edwards presented their findings at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London on the 26th January 1979. I am lucky to have a recorded copy of their presentation and slides given to me by a colleague whose father was at their lecture. This is truly a piece of medical history.

This film provides an incredible opportunity to educate people and raise awareness about infertility and its treatment and how far the speciality has come. It's focus on Jean Purdy who was an instrumental part of the team is important as she never recieved the recognition she deserved. I highly reccomend it.

The archive video below shows real footage of the birth of Louise Brown.