women is probably negligible but remains
unknown. Risks for chromosomal and genetic
damage also remain unknown. However, since the
first successful IVF in 1978, hundreds of thou-
sands of babies born through ART methods have
reached adulthood and many now have children
of their own with both parent and child healthy. It
is important for people considering ART to know
as much as possible about their family health his-
tories and to fully understand the possible compli-
cations and risks for the methods of ART they are
considering, because knowledge in this area
changes rapidly.
See also ADOPTION; FAMILY PLANNING.assisted reproductive technology (ART) 247