#reproductive-technology

#reproductive-technology

I refused to accept that I had no options. I read every article I could about fertility treatment. After three years, I heard about a medical breakthrough by gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Robert Edwards. It was described as very experimental and new. I wrote to Patrick about my situation. It took almost a year, and my husband and I had to go through a lot of tests, but eventually Patrick told me I was an ideal candidate for their free, pioneering IVF programme.

I spent the long months of pregnancy that followed feeling like a cartoon character with a me-size thunderstorm threatening at every turn. Though my pregnancy was healthy, I was convinced I had to remain vigilant until my son was in my arms. When my husband and I visited my obstetrician nine days past my son's due date, I wasn't surprised to see an irregularity in his heartbeat. Less than an hour later, we were checking into the hospital to start my induction.

I worried over what I had done to trigger it, over the dark secret of my body that had determined his suffering.