In vitro fertilization — commonly known as IVF — helps many couples conceive a child who haven't been able to in the past. In the United States, there are tens of thousands of children born through this method each year, and the number is on the rise. Although IVF treatments are still very expensive, it has become a mainstream medical procedure.
Back in 1982, when Catherine and Ian Rankin welcomed their twin boys into the world, IVF was still new and far more controversial. At the time, it was still called the “test tube method,” and only a few doctors specialized in it. The couple traveled to England to receive IVF treatments from Dr. Patrick Steptoe, a pioneer in the field.
“Everybody has the right to have a child,” said Dr. Steptoe. “I think that any form of medical treatment which can assist people with problems is something that should be available.”
On March 25, 1982, Colin Patrick Hugh and Gregory Robert Ian were born to Kit and Ian.
"By the time they’re old enough to know what the difference is and understand it, they won’t be different,” Catherine said shortly after the twins were born. “I hope there will be many, many babies born to people who can’t have children through the method we used."
It’s amazing how much has changed in this field over the past 34 years.
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