Extended AnswerReproductive Technologies – IVFIntroductionIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is the procedure by which a child is conceived outside the human body. The process involves placing a man's sperm and a woman's egg into a test tube for fertilization. The resulting embryos are then placed in the woman's uterus for the remainder of the pregnancy. The procedure takes place over several weeks and includes stimulation of the ovaries, egg collection, fertilization and embryo transfer (1). The first step of IVF is stimulation of the ovaries. This is done by injecting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to increase the number of eggs produced by the woman. Once the eggs have matured, they are removed from the ovaries by inserting a needle into the fluid-filled sacs that contain the eggs and sucking them out. Figure 1 – Egg Removal The sperm is then collected and placed in a test tube, with the sperm that have poor motility are filtered. The eggs are then inseminated with sperm and cultured in the laboratory for 16 to 20 hours. Fertilized embryos are cultured in a laboratory incubator for one to two days. Embryo transfer is then carried out and a maximum of three fertilized eggs are inserted into the woman's uterus (2, 3). Figure 2 – Step-by-step process of IVFThe process of IVF can have an implication on society , not necessarily as a whole. , but on different parts of society. This may be related to different religious views within society or the financial and emotional consequences this may have on those participating in IVF. In addition to these factors, the use of IVF to create “designer babies” is a highly debated topic within society. The attitudes of religions such as the Catholic religion...... middle of paper ......a designer baby?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm [Accessed May 29, 2014].8. A Catholic vision: in vitro fertilization, the human cost | LifeNews.com. 2014. A Catholic point of view: in vitro fertilization, the human cost | LifeNews.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lifenews.com/2012/08/28/a-catholic-view-in-vitro-fertilization-the-human-cost/ [Accessed May 29, 2014].9 . Causes of Down Syndrome - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. 2014. Causes of Down Syndrome – Diseases and Conditions – Mayo Clinic. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/basics/causes/con-20020948 [Accessed May 29, 2014].10. Advantages and disadvantages of IVF. 2014. Advantages and disadvantages of IVF. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.fssc.com.au/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ivf/ [Accessed May 29 2014].