Tech advances not only made IVF safer and more effective; they fundamentally changed the way we think about our reproduction. The pioneering work of scientists who invented IVF led to the birth of the first ‘test tube baby’ in 1978, marking the beginning of a journey that would transform how couples start families.

This week’s reporting has made me reflect on just how much progress has been made in the last five decades. Clinicians have improved hormonal treatments, and embryologists have devised ways to culture embryos for longer periods. IVF clinics today offer multiple genetic tests for embryos, enabling more reproductive choices for would-be parents.

From babies born with DNA from three people and those conceived using sperm-injecting robots, to the cultural shifts in family structures and the expansion of reproductive options—technology has reshaped babymaking. Reproductive endocrinologist Alan Penzias at Boston IVF explains how advancements have dramatically improved success rates and reduced risks for patients.

The evolution continues with ongoing developments like AI and robotic assistance, pushing the boundaries even further. Will we see a future where babymaking is as routine as other medical procedures? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—technology has fundamentally altered our approach to parenthood.