The history and future of in vitro fertilization in the United States: the complex interrelationships among basic science, human medicine, and politics

Although much of the foundational basic scientific and clinical research was conducted in the United States, the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) birth occurred in the United Kingdom. Why? For centuries, all research surrounding the field of “reproduction” has elicited bipolar passionate responses by the American public, and the issue of “test tube babies” has been no different. The history of conception in the United States is defined by complex interrelationships among scientists, clinicians, and politically charged decisions by various branches of the US government. With a focus on research in the United States, this review summarizes the early scientific and clinical advances important to the development of IVF and then addresses the potential future developments in IVF. We also consider what future advances are possible in the United States given the current regulations, laws, and funding.