“The older you get, the greater the risk that your baby will have something,” she said. “The question is, ‘Would the child be healthier if I used an embryo from when I was 31?’” she said. “The embryos have also been tested, so we know at least the basics are okay,” she said.
Dr. Lucky Sekhon, who works at RMA Fertility Clinic in New York, points out that while preimplantation genetic testing of embryos is not perfect, it can help ensure that the embryos have the right number of chromosomes, reducing the chance of miscarriage.
Dr. Sekhon also believes that many couples should view IVF as a backup rather than a first option. She said many clients come to her because they think they have little chance of getting pregnant naturally, when in fact she is in good health. “Most of these women are still able to have very healthy babies,” she said.
The exception is Ms. M., who has a BRCA gene mutation. People like El-Badry Nance. “They know there is something wrong with their family and that is why they avoid natural pregnancies,” Dr. Sekhon said.
Doctors agree that IVF is a numbers game, and the more frozen embryos you have to work with, the better your chances of success, since neither unfrozen nor implanted can be done properly. That's why Dr. Sekhon believes that most couples, if possible, should first try to conceive naturally before using frozen embryos.
“It’s much smarter to use embryos when you really need them,” she said. “Isn’t it better to save it for a rainy day?”
However, some couples disagree. Mr Hartley said: “We have the science to do this. Let’s use it.”