In vitro fertilization (IVF), as the name suggests, is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to enable couples facing infertility to receive a child. Garcia (2005) defines infertility as the inability of a couple to become pregnant (regardless of the cause) after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Around 90 million couples worldwide are affected by infertility. So far, more than 250,000 babies have been born using the IVF method and are referred to as test tube babies. An infertile couple can have a biologically or non-biologically related child through in vitro fertilization. (In Vitro Fertilization n.d.) clearly stated that people resort to IVF only after other fertility treatments have failed. The ultimate goal of in vitro fertilization was best described by DeCherney (1986) as a process to mimic nature as best as possible using artificial means. According to DeCherney (1986) in vitro fertilization is a method of assisted reproduction, which consists of three main phases. The first step is the induction of ovulation. Women will first be given GnRH agonist (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) or a GnRH antagonist which is intended to reduce the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This is because a surge in LH would cause premature ovulation. Next, hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin) is administered to stimulate the development of numerous ovarian follicles. When two follicles larger than 1.5 cm in diameter are detected using ultrasound, an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is administered to stimulate the maturation of the follicles. The eggs are then collected approximately 36 hours after the hCG injection. The next step technically is the removal of the ovum as mentioned by DeCherney (1986). The surgeon inserts a sterile need... middle of paper... murder. Goldworth (1999) states that science supports the perception that life begins at conception because the embryo differs from other cells in the woman and can be identified as human by its DNA. From a religious point of view, the Catholic Church claims that a new life begins at the moment of fertilization. Therefore, destroying unused embryos is unethical. Furthermore, IVF does not guarantee a normal embryo and a normal postnatal life. So why allow babies to be born from such procedures, when risks are known to be involved? In conclusion, IVF benefits many infertile couples by helping them deal with their infertility and also have opportunities to have children. However, there are numerous issues surrounding IVF, including its disadvantages and whether it should be considered ethical. Couples who opt for IVF need to ensure that the risks it entails are outweighed by the benefits.