The birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), marked a before and after in the history of medicine and the hope of millions of people around the world. Since that July 25, 1978, IVF has rapidly evolved to become one of the most commonly used and effective techniques in Assisted Reproduction. In this blog post, we’ll tell you how that first birth was achieved, why it was so important, and how it has impacted millions of families ever since.
A bit of context: infertility and science in the 1970s
For decades, many couples facing difficulties conceiving had few or no medical options to achieve pregnancy. Infertility was a rarely discussed issue and, in many cases, treated as a taboo. It was in this setting that a team formed by British gynecologist Patrick Steptoe and biologist Robert Edwards began working on a revolutionary idea: achieving fertilization of an egg outside the human body and transferring the resulting embryo into the woman’s uterus.
The birth of Louise Brown: a story that traveled the world
Louise Brown was born on July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England, after a pioneering IVF procedure. Her parents, Lesley and John Brown, had tried for nine years to conceive without success due to a blockage in Lesley’s fallopian tubes. Thanks to the intervention of Steptoe and Edwards, they were able to conceive through egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, and later embryo transfer.
Louise’s birth was a global event, covered by media outlets around the world and sparking both excitement and controversy. She was called “the test-tube baby,” a term that, while scientifically inaccurate, captured the public’s imagination.
The scientific and social significance of the first birth through IVF
The birth of Louise Brown proved that infertility could be addressed scientifically, opening the door to research and the development of new reproductive techniques. Since then, IVF has rapidly evolved and is now a viable option for millions of people with various infertility diagnoses.
On a social level, Louise’s story also marked a starting point for changing the conversation around motherhood, science, and reproductive rights. It gave a voice to couples who had been silently struggling with infertility and showed that building a family could be achieved with the support of modern medicine.
Advances since the first IVF birth
Since 1978, advances in IVF have been remarkable. Below are some of the most significant milestones:
- Embryo cryopreservation: Allowed for the storage of embryos for future attempts without repeating ovarian stimulation.
- IVF with donor eggs or sperm: Expanded possibilities for individuals without viable gametes or same-sex couples.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Enables the selection of genetically healthy embryos, reducing the risk of hereditary diseases.
- Improvements in embryo culture: Increased implantation and live birth rates.
- Eigender: sex selection technique in embryos.
IVF today: hope backed by science
Today, IVF is one of the most effective treatments in Assisted Reproduction. According to international data, pregnancy rates per cycle can reach up to 40% or more, depending on factors such as age, health status, and gamete quality.
At clinics like Instituto Ingenes, success rates have reached up to 96% cumulative success in comprehensive programs, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing, blastocyst culture, and options like fertility preservation and embryo sex selection.
A living legacy: millions of births since Louise
ince Louise’s birth, it’s estimated that over 12 million babies have been born worldwide thanks to IVF. This represents not only the fulfillment of the dreams of millions of families but also the consolidation of a medical field that continues to grow and improve. Louise Brown, now an adult, is an advocate for reproductive rights and has shared her experience to help dispel myths surrounding IVF. Her story continues to inspire those about to begin their journey toward motherhood or fatherhood.
Final reflection: a dream turned into science
The first IVF birth was not just a scientific achievement—it was an act of hope. It showed that the desire to become a mother or father can find real pathways, even in the most difficult contexts. Today, more than ever, those facing infertility can turn to a solution backed by expert physicians, advanced technology, and a comprehensive approach that sees beyond the diagnosis.
At Ingenes, every birth is proof that the dream of having a baby can come true. And it all began with a baby named Louise.
Are you ready to begin your story?
Come to us. We’ll support you from the very first step, with the science, commitment, and experience that have made thousands of births possible in Mexico and the United States.
