AI has begun to play a role in fertility treatment, also known as IVF.
While the method is already widely used, it is often expensive, physically demanding, and offers no guarantee of success.
According to National Geographic, millions of families worldwide are affected by IVF, which is why technological developments in the field are being closely monitored.
At the same time, this progress is taking place in an area with limited regulation and oversight.
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As a result, new digital tools may be introduced before their consequences are fully understood.
Concerns and responsibility
Several researchers warn against adopting AI too quickly. A 2025 study in the Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction notes that many AI systems are difficult to interpret.
Doctors may struggle to explain why a system reaches a particular decision.
National Geographic highlights that this lack of transparency is especially problematic in fertility treatment, where mistakes can have serious consequences.
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Weak regulation also makes it unclear who is responsible if the technology fails.
What the technology can do
Despite these concerns, researchers see clear benefits.
According to National Geographic, AI can be used to identify healthy sperm cells in samples where they are otherwise very difficult to detect, helping patients who have experienced repeated failed attempts.
AI can also be used to assess embryos at an early stage after fertilization.
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A 2024 study in Nature Medicine shows that AI can evaluate embryo quality almost as well as experienced specialists.
Another study in The Lancet finds that AI can identify chromosomal abnormalities, though with limited precision.
The first baby
The first child born using AI-guided IVF technology arrived in 2024.
The system, developed by the New York–based company Conceivable, used AI-guided robotics to select and fertilize eggs and sperm.
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According to the company, 19 more children have since been born using the same technology.
While AI is becoming more common in healthcare, fertility treatment also raises ethical questions.
Experts stress that AI should support doctors, not replace them, and that final responsibility must remain with humans.
Sources: National Geographic, Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction, Nature Medicine, and The Lancet.
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