A2 3.4 Unit 4: 3.4.1 IVF - babies for those who cannot conceive naturally

Reproduction and contraception
Candidates should be able to discuss the ethical and moral issues relating to the use of different forms of contraception. When provided with appropriate information, candidates should be able to evaluate evidence about the benefits and risks associated with the use of different forms of contraception.

IVF
Causes of infertility

• low sperm count
• blocked oviducts

Use of IVF to treat women with blocked oviducts

• using FSH to stimulate multiple ovulation
• removal of the oocytes from the oviducts
• fertilisation
• culture to the 8 - 16 cell stage
• re-implantation of some of the embryos

Candidates should consider the ethical and moral issues relating to the use of IVF

• the fate of embryos that are not implanted
• their possible use in scientific experiments
• the extent to which IVF should be available