In a milestone for reproductive medicine, researchers have estimated that more than 13 million people worldwide have been born through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) since the birth of the first “test tube baby” in 1978.
Published in Fertility and Sterility, the new report offers the first comprehensive global estimate of ART births. It highlights the rapid growth of fertility treatments over the past four decades. The report also notes the improved success of these treatments.
“Every year we estimate how many babies were born in the previous 12 months. However, we have not revisited the data with a consistent methodology. This is essential to estimate the total,” said lead author Georgina Chambers, epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales and data custodian for the International Committee Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART).
How the Numbers Add Up
Using data from 101 countries, the researchers estimate that:
- Between 10 and 13 million ART babies were born before 2018
- An additional 3 to 4 million children were born between 2018 and 2023
- That totals to 13 to 17 million IVF births worldwide
Today, a baby conceived via ART is born roughly every 35 seconds.
IVF’s Global Footprint
The researchers had to bridge major gaps in global data, as many countries—including China, Singapore, and parts of Africa and India—lack formal, up-to-date registries or complete reporting to ICMART.
To compensate, they used clinic density, coverage rates, and miscarriage estimates to fill in the blanks and produce what they call a “sound approximation.”
By region, ART birth estimates are:
- Europe: 3.6 to 4.5 million
- Asia: 3 to 4 million
- North America: 1.4 to 1.6 million
IVF Today: Safer, More Successful, and More Accessible
Since its experimental days, IVF has evolved significantly:
- In the 1990s, frozen embryo success rates were around 7%
- By 2021, the average success rate in the UK had soared to 36%
A key improvement has been the move toward single embryo transfers, reducing health risks for both mothers and babies. In Australia today:
- 93% of IVF cycles involve a single embryo
- Resulting in multiple births in fewer than 3% of cases
- Frozen embryos are now the most common method
“Most IVF babies in Australia now come from frozen embryos,” said Chambers. “As more babies are born through IVF, we hope access to safe, high-quality care will become more equitable – and based on human rights – across the world.”
Looking Ahead: IVF for All?
As IVF becomes more affordable and more widely available, experts emphasize the need for global equity in access to reproductive healthcare. While high-income countries dominate IVF usage today, advocates hope that future policy will support expanded access for lower-income regions as well.
In the meantime, the number of IVF births continues to grow exponentially – a testament to how far science has come in helping millions around the world become parents.