Choosing the best embryo: The impact of new imaging tools on fertility treatment

• In Event: 4163 - Social Dimensions of Reproductive Technologies

Abstract

Time-lapse imaging has recently been introduced in fertility treatment and represents a controversial, yet potentially revolutionary tool for IVF practice. Time-lapse technologies take pictures of embryos at regular intervals (every 5, 10, or 20 minutes) and produce a large amount of images for each embryo. This data, in conjunction with computer algorithms, is meant to help professionals pick the best embryo to be implanted. Embryo selection is essential in IVF practice for increasing pregnancy rates and reducing the negative effect of repeated failures. Nonetheless, a significant number of UK clinics charge additional fees for this new, yet clinically unproven technology. Our research asks: How is time-lapse technology currently integrated in clinical practice? How is it advertised to patients? How is it perceived outside professional circles? Using ethnographic data collected from 5 UK clinical sites (observations in IVF labs and interviews with professionals) and document analysis (medical literature, manufacturers’ and clinics’ websites, public documents produced by stakeholders), we argue that the case of time-lapse reveals several shortcomings in the development and uptake of new technologies in IVF practice. More specifically, we critically explore three inter-related influential areas: patient expectations, IVF marketing and technology trends, and IVF professionals’ integration of technological innovation in medical practice. We conclude that the development, use and marketing of new reproductive technologies must be sensitive to the perpetuation of inequities in health access. The use and cost associated with time-lapse technology is important in shaping inequalities of access to reproductive health care services in the global fertility market.

Authors

• Alina Geampana, Queen Mary University of London

• Manuela Perrotta, Queen Mary University of London