Elizabeth Jordan Carr

Elizabeth Jordan Carr (born December 28, 1981) is the first human conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States. Her birth marked a significant milestone in reproductive medicine and biotechnology, paving the way for advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).

Early Life and Background

Elizabeth Jordan Carr was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Judith Carr, a schoolteacher, and Roger Carr, a newspaper editor. Her birth was the result of a pioneering IVF procedure performed by Dr. Howard Jones and Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones, founders of the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a liquid in a laboratory. The fertilized egg (zygote) undergoes embryo culture for 2–6 days, and is then transferred to the same or another woman's uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

Impact on Reproductive Medicine

Elizabeth Jordan Carr's birth was a landmark event in the field of reproductive medicine. It demonstrated the viability of IVF as a method for treating certain types of infertility, and opened the door for further research and development in the field of assisted reproductive technologies. Today, IVF is a commonly used treatment for infertility, and has resulted in the birth of millions of children worldwide.

Later Life

Elizabeth Jordan Carr has worked as a journalist for various publications, including the Boston Herald. She has also been an advocate for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, speaking publicly about her experiences and the impact of these technologies on society.