A nearly decade-long Dutch study (recently printed in the trade journal Human Reproduction) reveals that children conceived with the aid of assistive reproduction technologies (ART) are more than twice as likely to develop cerebral palsy, a neurological condition causing mild to severe impairments of motor skills, mental capacity, vision and hearing, than children conceived naturally.

While no definitive finding was announced, scientists theorize that the increased cerebral palsy risk is due to higher-than-normal odds of multiple births and preterm delivery associated with assisted reproduction methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovary-stimulating hormone treatments.

The growing popularity of ART (due in no small part to the fact that couples are waiting longer to have children) has resulted in a higher overall rate not only of cerebral palsy, but other birth defects as well. It is important to note, however, that the rate of healthy children conceived with the help of these methods far, far exceeds those afflicted with a condition like cerebral palsy - only an estimated .2 percent of all children are born with cerebral palsy.

Researchers participating in this comprehensive study recommend a simple step that would likely reduce the risk of premature labor and multiple births - fertility specialists should only implant one embryo at a time. While this protocol may prolong the duration of the treatments should the first procedure be unsuccessful, it is worthwhile if it increases the chances of having a healthy child.

The laws and legal precedents governing ART are developing as quickly as the technologies themselves. As additional proof linking infertility treatments to birth defects emerges, it is possible that medical malpractice suits will follow for doctors violating evolving standards of care.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another birth defect (whether you feel it is the result of ART or another cause), you should consider consulting an experienced birth injury attorney in your area to learn more about legal options you may have. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., our attorneys have represented parents and children in the areas of birth trauma, birth defects, and labor and delivery issues.

Related Source:

Fertility treatment tied to risk of cerebral palsy