Customer Reviews

American Experience - Test Tube Babies

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I had no knowledge whatsoever about the history of IVF, so I couldn't be critical of this documentary generally. I am glad that the documentary makers decided that IVF need ed to be a part of the "American Experience."

From one baby in the late 1970s, now 2.5 million people worldwide owe their lives to IVF. Because this procedure lacks controversy now, to some, this work may seem dated. However, this settled debate may remind many nowadays of the controversy over stem cell research. This documentary suggests that the US and Britain were in a race to see who could successfully perform IVF first; this reminded me of the race in AIDS research between the US and France, as described in "And the Band Played On."

This film repeatedly spoke about couples who wanted children, but oftentimes, individuals were interviewed separately. I wonder if many of the interviewed couples have divorced since they requested IVF.

I guess I have one critique. Issues of class were not brought up. I hear IVF is still INCREDIBLY expensive. I assume that only rich couples have it as an option though the procedure is available. If the documentary makers wanted to be thorough, they would have brought this up.