Egg / sperm donation
Milestones in IVF: 1995 – the birth of Bourn Hall’s first baby conceived through ICSI
In December 1968 Robert Edwards, together with Barry Bavister and Patrick Steptoe, submitted a paper to Nature in which IVF in humans was described convincingly for the first time.
Milestones in IVF: 1990 – the first Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act was passed
There was a real concern that without an act of parliament IVF and embryo research would be stopped. But after a campaign by Professor Robert Edwards and others, the Bill was passed and became The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.
Bourn Hall launches Christmas appeal for egg donors – could it be you?
For many women in the UK their only chance of having a baby is through IVF with a gifted egg. Latest findings from the HFEA have shown 1 in 6 IVF treatments in 2019 involved donation but following the cut in non-essential treatment during the Covid lockdown, stocks at all egg banks have decreased and there is a shortage of donors.
Milestones in IVF: 1985 – the first baby born from a frozen blastocyst
Lizzie was born after a ‘freeze all’ cycle, which is when all the embryos are frozen to allow the body to recover from stimulation.
I didn’t realise my hilarious ‘massive balls’ would make me infertile
When Shaun’s testicles became very swollen whilst he was ill with mumps he thought it was hilarious and so did his friends. He was in his early twenties and looking forward to making a full recovery and jetting off on a ‘lads’ holiday’. Many years later however, he came to realise that it had in fact been no laughing matter – as he explains in this guest blog for Bourn Hall Clinic.
Milestones in IVF: 1978 – the birth of the world’s first IVF baby
The birth of the world’s first ‘test-tube baby’ in 1978 was the catalyst for IVF (in vitro fertilisation) techniques that have revolutionised fertility treatment, and led to the formation of Bourn Hall in 1980.
Milestones in IVF: 1972 – celebrating 50 years of the British Fertility Society
The 2nd tree in Elizabeth’s Wood, planted by Lyla, celebrates 50 years of the British Fertility Society, established by Patrick Steptoe in 1972.
Milestones in IVF: 1968 – the first human fertilization outside the body
In December 1968 Robert Edwards, together with Barry Bavister and Patrick Steptoe, submitted a paper to Nature in which IVF in humans was described convincingly for the first time.
The only way for Santa’s sleigh is Wickford at Christmas
This year’s hugely popular Wickford At Christmas Street Fair is taking place on Sunday 27th November in Wickford High Street from 12 to 5pm.
We lobbied MPs for fairer funding of IVF in Essex
Katy and Leigh were not eligible for NHS-funded IVF treatment when they moved to a house in Essex five miles up the road from their previous one. They wrote to their local MP, Mark Francois, and also Matt Hancock, who was Health Secretary at the time, to lobby for equal NHS funding of IVF in Essex.
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Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023