Assisted Reproduction Linked To Higher Birth Defects

A new U.S. study shows that babies conceived using assisted reproductive technologies have a two to four times higher rate of certain birth defects.

From the report:

• 1.1 per cent of all the control mothers reported using ART.


• 4.5 per cent of the control mothers aged 35 and over reported using ART.


• Among single births, ART was linked with a 2.1 times higher rate of septal heart defects, a 2.4 times higher rate of cleft lip (with and without cleft palate), a 4.5 times higher rate of esophageal atresia (where the food pipe stops short of the stomach) and a 3.7 times higher rate of anorectal atresia (malformation of the rectum and/or anus).


• Among multiple births, ART was not significantly linked with any of the birth defects examined by the study.

"These findings suggest that some birth defects occur more often among infants conceived with ART. Although the mechanism is not clear, couples considering ART should be informed of all potential risks and benefits."