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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The Children Show cover image

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The Children Show 2004

Recommended

Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Josh Braun
Directed by Josh Braun
VHS, color, 52 min.



College - Adult
Health Sciences

Date Entered: 05/27/2005

Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

This is a thorough look at the emotional, psychological and bioethical sides of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Infertility medicine has grown exponentially over the past ten years. Help from new research and technologies is expanding the horizons for anyone wanting a genetically similar infant. The sensitive ethical and political issues surrounding assisted reproduction and IVF in particular have resulted in a lack of government regulation, leading to a field that is as stated in the film, “…fast-paced, innovative and often unpredictable…”

IVF parents Julie Cain and Beaumont Vance recount their struggles with male factor infertility and the expensive, heartrending roller coaster ride of IVF therapy. While they were ultimately successful with two IVF pregnancies, their emotions are still plainly evident as they detail their several rounds of treatments. Through their example the ethical questions are raised and then further discussed by experts in fertility medicine, counselors, and bioethicists from prominent universities across the U.S. A highlight is hearing Dr. Howard Jones, “the father of IVF in America,” comment on the lack of scientific studies in the field.

The Children Show tackles all the big issues surrounding IVF from insurance coverage to lack of research studies to how many embryos to implant and everything in between. It does not focus on the biology of IVF. It’s a tad long for classroom use at 52 minutes, but judicious use by an instructor will remedy that.

Technically, it’s quirky – producer Braun makes great use of text screens as well as still graphics from the 50s or 60s, giving hopes for a first-rate documentary, but those are soon dashed by poor lighting and editing. This is particularly evident in several of the interviews with MDs and PhDs, which have an odd lighting effect, as though they are standing in front of an overhead projector in a darkened room. Audio quality is poor in a couple of spots too; most noticeably hearing Julie Cain answer a question mumbled by someone off-camera.

Nevertheless, because of its content, it is recommended for college level library collections supporting health sciences and bioethics classes.