In-vitro baby for Chch

Press, 22 June 1984, Page 5

In-vitro baby for Chch

The Auckland in-vitro fertilisation programme has produced a confirmed pregnancy for a Christchurch couple. The baby, due in January, is believed to be the programme’s fourth success, and the first in the South Island.

An ultra-sound scan this week confirmed that the pregnancy was progressing as it should, said Mr Michael Laney, the Christchurch obstetrician and gynaecologist who referred the couple to National Women’s Hospital. The couple, who are both in their late 20s, have no

other child, and this child was conceived in their first attempt under the programme.

Mr Laney said “quite a number" of Christchurch couples were being referred to the Auckland programme since it was opened to people outside Auckland. Until then couples had to go to Melbourne's Royal Women’s Hospital. He was “forever hopeful” that an in-vitro fertilisation clinic would be set up in Christchurch. The doctors were keen and able but there was no money for it, he said.