††††The first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in England in 1978. Gynaecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Cambridge scientist, Dr. Robert Edwards were in charge of the experiment.
The technique used is called 'in vitro fertilisation' because the actual fertilisation of the ovum takes place outside the body.
Hormone drugs are given to the woman to stimulate ovulation and then several ova are taken from the surface of the ovaries, by a technique called 'laporoscopy'. The sperm are added to these ova and about 40 hours later, after fertilisation, the eggs are returned to the womb.
Work is continuing today to increase the chances of sucessful pregnancy.
