Question

Olivia is a single 38-year-old woman who is undergoing the process of invitro fertilization. Her Dr. has seven fertilized eggs that he could implant in her. Considering her age, marital status and overall health of herself and the fetus discuss the following: Is it ethical for more than three of those eggs to be implanted at the same time? What are the possible consequences if all three eggs are implanted? What are the possible consequences if only one egg is implanted?

Answer 1

If you are asking about her chances of successful pregnancy, it is good. No doctor will implant all 7 embryos at the same time but they will pick the best combination of 2 or 3 for immediate transfer, then freeze the rest for future cycles. There is a good chance that at least one out of those seven eggs will stick (whether it be in the first fresh cycle or in a subsequent cycle where frozen embryos are thawed and transferred), but a lot will depend on her fertility history (why does need IVF in the first place?).