Media coverage: research finds ideal number of embryos to implant during assisted conception

12 January 2012

Controversy exists over how many embryos should be implanted during assisted conception (in-vitro fertilisation/IVF) therapy. New research by the University of Bristol and published in the The Lancet shows that, while discretion can be applied in whether to implant one or two embryos, three or more should never be implanted into women of any age. The findings have been covered by national and international media.

Controversy exists over how many embryos should be implanted during assisted conception (in-vitro fertilisation/IVF) therapy. New research by Professor Debbie Lawlor from the University of Bristol’s School of Social and Community Medicine and Professor Scott Nelson from the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Population and Health Sciences shows that, while discretion can be applied in whether to implant one or two embryos, three or more should never be implanted into women of any age.

The research, published in the The Lancet and based on data from the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, was covered by ITN Television, ITV Daybreak, The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Mirror, CNN, the Daily Mail, Los Angeles Times, the Press Association, Global News (Canada), ABC (Australia), Denver Post (US), Associated Press, Washington Examiner (US), NewsTrack (India), Health Canal.com (US), The Seattle Times (Canada), The Huffington Post (US), the Scotsman and the San Francisco Examiner (US).