Archive footage of the moments after the world’s first IVF baby was born has been released as part of a project
The BBC’s Look North news programme first released the episode entitled Test Tube Baby in the 1970s, filmed at Oldham General Hospital to mark the momentous occasion.
The newly released footage has been added to the episode as part of the BBC’s Rewind project, which is a part of the BBC’s archives of yesteryear.
In the clip, reporter Alistair MacDonald can be seen talking to the nursing staff behind the birth of Louise Brown, who was born to parents Lesley and John Brown at Oldham General Hospital on July 25, 1978.
He asked the nurses about their involvement in what would make medical history 44 years ago.
He asked: “What was the reaction when the baby finally arrived?”
One nurse answered: “Well, I was very pleased that it was a girl.”
The birth occurred after 12 years of pioneering research by leading fertility professors Dr Patrick Steptoe and Dr Sir Robert Edwards, along with embryologist Jean Purdy, who was recently recognised for her work at the hospital.
After Louise’s birth, it was reported that the hospital and her parents received thousands of well-wisher cards from across the world.
Louise is an ambassador for Fertility Network UK and IVF Babble, campaigning for better access to IVF treatment for all.
To view the footage, click here.
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Louise Brown on the importance of World Fertility Day
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