Discussing IVF 47 Later in Athens, Greece
The 4th Scientific Symposium on Assisted Reproduction held in Athens, Greece saw prominent members of the scientific community alongside Ministers from the Greek government discussing how vital fertility treatment is for the country and individuals.
Titled “IVF 47 Years Later” the event at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre gave me an opportunity to tell people how fertility treatment began with the journey of my mum and dad.
I was particularly thrilled to meet Christina Iordanidou who, in 1982, was the first IVF baby to be born in Greece. Her mum, Stella, had seen my parents interviewed on an American TV programme and had got in touch with Patrick Steptoe to see if he could help her.
The IVF for Christina was carried out at Bourn Hall Clinic, in Cambridge set up by Patrick Steptoe after many birth. It was amazing to think that my birth led directly to hers!
The Greek Minister for Health, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis spoke about how important it is to support fertility treatment because of falling birth rates in Greece. The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, told how medical tourism – people visiting Greece for treatment – was playing a major part in the country’s economy.
Other speakers included the President of the Athens Medical Association, the Greek Health Tourism Council, and the Global Doctors’ Institute, Mr. George Patoulis and ; the President of the National Authority of Medically Assisted Reproduction, Ms. Ismini Kriari
I was delighted to share a platform with my good friend Dr Jacques Cohen, who worked with the pioneers Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe as an embryologist and and is now based in New York. He has done so much to advance fertility treatment techniques over many years.
I was also thrilled to be presented with a special recognition “Honorary distinction” for being a landmark in medical history. I accepted the beautiful award on behalf of my mum and dad, who were the ones who created that moment in history along with the fertility team
Before the conference I was able to visit the Institute of Life- IASO, a leading Assisted Reproduction Unit, which since its establishment has become a symbol of excellence, innovation, and trust in fertility treatment, helping thousands of couples fulfil their dream of having a child.
I put on the protective clothing to have a tour of the laboratories and meet the teams who continue to push boundaries in helping bring new life into the world. It was fascinating to see how technology continues to develop with AI techniques now forming part of the fertility treatment available.
It was a quick visit to Athens but I’m grateful for the wonderful hospitality at a very well-organised symposium and the organising committee also arranged for me to take a guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, with its incredible monuments and history.