Prof. Goodwin Interviewed and Quoted by ABC News

Professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin was recently interviewed by ABC News and quoted in a feature article discussing in vitro fertilization (IVF) giveaways, "Winning Fertility: Would-Be Parents Win Free IVF." Professor Goodwin discussed the growing size and significance of the IVF industry as compared to the risks and costs of the procedure, even when fertility clinics periodically donate IVF cycles. Goodwin discussed conflicts of interest between IVF clinics that promote their services and their patients, specifically as related to loans to pay for services and free giveaways for services. Goodwin spoke about the risks and high failure rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that must be balanced against the overwhelming urge experienced by some couples to parent. Although loans and subsidies may help patients to pay for services, Goodwin discussed the importance of understanding that the high failure rate of ART could leave patients paying for ART services without ever conceiving or having a baby. Professor Goodwin’s recent book, "Baby Markets: Money and The New Politics of Creating Families," (Cambridge University Press, Goodwin ed., 2010) further addresses these and other ART issues.