The perils of cheap fertility drugs

VIEWPOINT

Professor Bill Ledger, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sheffield University

During the 90s multiple births rose as doctors implanted a number of embryos into women having IVF - this has since been reduced.

But the multiple birth rate is still on the increase.

In this week's Scrubbing Up, leading fertility expert Professor Bill Ledger says part of the problem is the liberal use of cheap fertility drugs, and warns there will be dire consequences if this does not end.

There can be no doubt that having one child at a time is best for both mother and baby.

Multiple births often happen too early, with risk of neonatal illness needing intensive care, and sometimes permanent disability as a result.

Rates of twin and triplet birth were too high in the UK the 1990s because well-meaning fertility specialists were transferring too many embryos after IVF.

" These drugs need tighter control because whilst the high tech end of fertility medicine is highly regulated in UK, any doctor can prescribe these drugs "

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has...