New research shows that women with cystic fibrosis (CF) can safely participate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). CF can cause infertility and possibly the need for a lung transplant.

Study participants: 15 women whose partners lacked the CF gene mutation, normal fertility except for failing to conceive, aged between 24 and 36.
Outcome: 17 pregnancies in 13 of the 15 women, resulting in 12 live births, two ongoing pregnancies and three miscarriages. Only one of the women needed a caesarean section, but 50% of the study participants had diabetes during pregnancy. Researchers also observed a slight decline in lung function during …read more

Calling all RNs, NPs, LPNs, and other healthcare professionals specializing in reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology: there is a really good reason for you to take some time off in August and head to Vegas.
Smart ART IX, which will take place August 14-16, is a symposium that will “provide a unique opportunity for nurses and healthcare professionals involved in the management of infertility patients to learn about new agents, procedures, and counseling techniques contributing to the continued success of ART.”
Oh wait, did I mention? Maybe I didn’t…
Enrollment is limited to the first 450 registrants and is available on a …read more

I didn’t get to see Thomas Beatie on Oprah last week (even though reader Melis gave me a heads up as soon as she saw my post.) But the “world’s first pregnant man”’s appearance on daytime TV has come up in conversations with multiple friends this week. Luckily, I knew the plot, but I thought I would take a peek at Oprah’s site to see what I missed.
More interesting than the show’s recap is the discussion taking place on Oprah’s message board right now. There were your customary comments voicing outrage, disgust or both. Some faithful viewers were a little …read more

Ok, ok, I know I’ve blogged about male pregnancy before. But this time it’s different. I promise. I stumbled across this site today and learned about Thomas Beatie:
He was born biologically female, had sex reassignment surgery, and is now legally male. When his wife, Nancy, was unable to have children, Thomas, who still has female genitalia, decided he’d carry their baby himself. And thus became the world’s first pregnant man.
Really? I think so. www.Guanabee.com goes on to say,
Now five months pregnant, Thomas hopes his story will help foster dialogue about the nature of family and our bodies.
There are a lot …read more

Oh friends, it’s budget day in Pennsylvania and my brain is just about fried. I’m still working at my day job (even though it’s well into the evening), still on the clock, but I just wanted to share an interesting post that Elaine just posted on another Science and Health channel blog, Genetics and Health, entitled “Scientists Create Three Parent Embryo.” Why? A team from Newcastle University
believe the technique could help to eradicate a whole class of hereditary diseases, including some forms of epilepsy and ensure women with genetic defects do not pass the diseases on to their children.
Wow. Elaine …read more