I was 26 when my gynecologist informed me that my fallopian tubes were obstructed and that conceiving naturally was impossible. I felt crushed. My lifelong dream had been to have children. It was 1972; I resided in Bishopbriggs, close to Glasgow, and worked as a college lecturer. IVF had yet to be developed, and when my husband and I expressed interest in adopting a baby, we were told the availability was extremely limited. Meanwhile, my gynecologist attempted to unblock my fallopian tubes, but it was unsuccessful.
I wouldn’t give in to the idea that I had no alternatives. I devoured every piece of information I could find regarding fertility treatments. After three years, I learned of a groundbreaking advancement by gynecologist Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Robert Edwards. It was characterized as highly experimental and novel.
I reached out to Patrick regarding my circumstances. It took nearly a year, and my husband and I underwent numerous tests, but ultimately Patrick informed me I was an ideal candidate for their innovative, complimentary IVF program.
Bob meticulously explained the process in straightforward terms – how the egg would be extracted, placed in a petri dish, fertilized with my husband’s sperm, and then reinserted into my uterus at the most favorable moment. Despite the widespread doubts in the media about the procedure, I felt no fear at the prospect of having a “test-tube baby.” Instead, I was overjoyed. It was my sole opportunity.
I began to entertain a glimmer of hope. However, in February 1977, when my initial IVF attempt did not succeed, my heart shattered. I recall sobbing on the train journey home. With the support of Bob, Patrick, and the embryologist nurse Jean Purdy – the most compassionate person I had ever encountered – I gathered my strength again. The following May, I commenced my second attempt. By that time, another participant in the program, Lesley Brown, was pregnant with Louise, which instilled hope in all of us. Louise became the first baby born from IVF in 1978.
Once the egg was implanted, I had faith that this time it would be successful. Two weeks later, when my menstruation didn’t occur, I felt fortunate. I was pregnant with the second IVF baby ever born.
I went into labor amid a snowstorm. Bob and Patrick began their drive to Glasgow – the plan was for Patrick to perform a caesarean section delivery. However, due to the storm, it took them hours to arrive – and they frequently paused to call and provide guidance to my gynecologist along the way.
They ultimately didn’t arrive in time, but with my gynecologist’s assistance, my son Alastair was delivered on 14 January 1979, weighing 5lb 12oz. He was the first IVF boy ever born. My long-awaited child was finally here. I was overwhelmed with feelings. When they handed him to me, and I held him for the first time, tears streamed down my face.
Interestingly, he did not cry. He simply gazed at me. It was a look I will always cherish. I whispered my love to him and told him it was about time – I had been waiting for him for so long. My husband was also ecstatic, as were Patrick and Bob when they finally arrived an hour later.
Alastair is now 46, serving as a first officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and he brings me immense pride and joy. We both share a love for traveling, and a few years ago, we circled the globe together. We slept under the stars in Australia and ascended the Fox glacier in New Zealand. I cherish every moment with him. He remains the most vital person in my life.
I maintain a close relationship with four other women from the program. I will never forget the camaraderie we developed, as we each understood the challenges the others faced. We forged an unbreakable connection. I recall one of them saying to me, “If it’s not going to happen for me, make it happen for the rest of us.”
Reflecting back, I feel grateful to have experienced it all, as I now have Alastair. I am thrilled that IVF is regarded as “normal” today, and I feel honored to have contributed in a minor way to this monumental medical advancement.
The miracle of Alastair’s existence is entirely due to Bob, Patrick, and Jeanie. Over 13 million desired babies have been born through IVF since then, and it was their dedication and faith that enabled this to happen. I was at the right place at the right time – and I will always view myself as fortunate because of it.
As relayed to Donna Ferguson
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