A recent study found that babies conceived using fertility techniques are two to four times more likely to be born with birth defects than babies naturally conceived.
The increase in risk of birth defects is mainly associated with heart problems, cleft lip, cleft palate, and abnormalities in the esophagus or rectum. The majority of procedures linked to these birth defects are assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization. The study didn’t examine women using fertility drugs without additional procedures requiring doctors to work with eggs and sperm outside the body.
It is still unclear whether the increased risk of birth defects was due more to the fertility procedures or to the parents’ infertility. Additional studies are still needed to conclusively prove the connection between fertility techniques and birth defects.
Regardless, it is important for women to be aware of the potential risks of defects associated with these procedures.
You should consult an experienced personal injury attorney if your baby was born with a birth defect. If it was the fault of a health care professional, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to receive compensation for your damages.
If you have a birth defect injury in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the law offices of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C. today to schedule an initial consultation.
