Summary: | This issue brief describes in vitro fertilization and other related methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Specifically, it focuses on in vitro fertilization involving a couple unable to conceive a child through natural means. However, there are other methods of becoming a parent which this brief does not address. These include surrogacy, donated sperm and/or eggs, and adoption. The topic of in vitro fertilization was chosen by HTAC because of general interest for more information about these procedures, their costs, and their effectiveness. Some aspects of in vitro fertilization are controversial and have raised medical, ethical, and legal questions. These questions are currently under debate by health care providers, payers, policy-makers, and researchers as well as the general public
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