Are in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer of benefit to all?

The efficacy, safety, costs, and benefits of in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) have been reviewed. IVF/ET benefits only a small proportion of infertile women, it is expensive, and has serious health risks. Therefore policies for the management of infertility in which most financial and manpower resources are applied to prevention of infertility must be developed. Health authorities should also require accreditation of IVF/ET programmes, certification of providers, and ongoing monitoring of clinics. Full and accurate information on IVF/ET must also be disseminated, so that individuals seeking treatment for infertility can make the best informed choice about their care and health authorities can decide the place of IVF/ET in their infertility services.