In Vitro Fertilisation
An Introduction To In Vitro Fertilisation
Due the advancement in technology and medicine, becoming a parent is an option many people who are struggling to conceive are able to consider through in vitro fertilisation. This technique is used for a variety of infertility problems – whether the problems are associated with the male or female.
The South African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG) is the regulating body and all clinics or medical practitioners who wish to perform in vitro fertilisation, should hold a certificate of accreditation to prove that they are qualified to perform the procedure.
The five stages in the in vitro fertilisation procedure:
- Medication stage – There are two types of protocol in this stage: the short course protocol and the long course protocol. The short course protocol is not flexible.
- Monitoring stage – This stage involves ultrasound scans after five days of hormone injections.
- Egg retrieval stage – In this stage the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries.
- Laboratory stage – A scientist will place the eggs and sperm in an incubator where fertilisation will occur naturally.
- Waiting stage – During this stage extra medication is given to maintain a healthy living. The pregnancy test is done two weeks after the embryo transfer.
Countries all over the world have their own laws pertaining to the procedure, but in South Africa only two fertilised embryos are replaced when undergoing the in vitro fertilisation procedure.
Although there are no legal aspects to consider when undergoing this procedure, a legal document and a legal representative is necessary for the procedure to begin when in vitro fertilisation forms part of a surrogacy agreements.
If you are considering a surrogacy agreement and would like to know more about the legal aspects of in vitro fertilisation, feel free to contact Adele van der Walt Incorporated.
For more information on this subject, please give us a call at (SA) or e-mail us at susann@avdw.co.za
