Extended ResponseReproductive Technologies – IVFIntroductionIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is the procedure by which a baby is conceived outside the human body. The process is performed by placing a man's sperm and a woman's egg into a test tube for fertilization. The resulting embryos are then inserted into the woman's uterus for the duration of the remainder of the pregnancy. The procedure takes place over several weeks and involves stimulation of the ovaries, egg collection, fertilization and embryo transfer (1). The first step in IVF is stimulation of the ovaries. This is done by injecting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to increase the number of eggs the woman produces. Once the eggs have matured, they are removed from the ovaries by inserting a needle into the fluid-filled sacs, which contain the eggs, and aspirating them. Figure 1 – Removal of the oocytesThe semen is then collected and placed in a test tube, with the spermatozoa which have poor motility are filtered. The eggs are then inseminated with sperm and grown in the laboratory for 16 to 20 hours. Fertilized embryos are grown in a laboratory incubator for one to two days. Subsequently, the embryo transfer is 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 IVF The process of IVF can have implications on society, not necessarily as a whole, but on different parts of society. This may relate to differing religious views within society or the financial and emotional toll it may have on those participating in IVF. In addition to these factors, the use of IVF to create "custom-made babies" is a highly debated topic within society. The attitudes of religions such as the Catholic one... at the center of the paper... a tailor-made child?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm [Accessed 29 May 2014].8. A Catholic vision: in vitro fertilization, the human cost | LifeNews.com. 2014. A Catholic vision: 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 in vitro fertilization. 2014. Advantages and Disadvantages of In Vitro Fertilization. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.fssc.com.au/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ivf/ [Accessed 29 May 2014].