PRINTER'S NO. 3348
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 483
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY O'MARA, MAYES, MALAGARI, KINSEY, PROBST, GIRAL,
VENKAT, McNEILL, T. DAVIS, GUENST, SCHLOSSBERG, KHAN,
CONKLIN, OTTEN, HILL-EVANS, HOHENSTEIN, SANCHEZ AND DONAHUE,
JUNE 20, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, JUNE 20, 2024
A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing July 25, 2024, as "World IVF Day" in Pennsylvania.
2 WHEREAS, In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a series of
3 medical procedures designed to assist individuals or couples
4 experiencing infertility issues get pregnant; and
5 WHEREAS, The IVF process involves the extraction of eggs from
6 the ovaries of the patient or donor, the fertilization of the
7 eggs in a petri dish using sperm from a partner or donor and the
8 transfer of the fertilized eggs to the uterus of the patient or
9 a gestational carrier; and
10 WHEREAS, Embryologists are necessary for the IVF process and
11 all infertility treatments, as embryologists are the ones who
12 monitor the fertilized eggs to ensure that they are healthy
13 before transferring to the uterus; and
14 WHEREAS, Embryologists also perform genetic testing to
15 identify any potential genetic disorders that may be present in
16 the fertilized egg, and embryologists can also perform
 1 Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to determine if there are
2 genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities present that may
3 be the cause of miscarriage or infertility issues; and
4 WHEREAS, Since the first baby to be successfully born from
5 IVF on July 25, 1978, more than 10 million babies have been born
6 using IVF worldwide, with more than 500,000 new IVF births each
7 year; and
8 WHEREAS, In the United States, roughly 2% of all births each
9 year are the result of IVF; and
10 WHEREAS, IVF often serves as the only chance for those
11 experiencing fallopian tube damage, ovulation disorders, male
12 factor infertility, recurrent miscarriages, genetic problems and
13 other infertility issues to become pregnant and grow their
14 family; and
15 WHEREAS, The IVF process is not without risks, as the
16 procedures not only carry a high financial cost, with each IVF
17 cycle costing on average more than $15,000, but it also
18 increases the odds of developing certain health complications,
19 such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or twisting of the
20 ovary or fallopian tubes; and
21 WHEREAS, There is also the risk of pregnancy complications,
22 such as multiple pregnancies and ectopic pregnancies as well as
23 low birth weight and premature birth; and
24 WHEREAS, Despite the potential risks, access to IVF is
25 crucial for couples who may not be able to conceive without the
26 process; and
27 WHEREAS, In recognition of the important role embryologists
28 play in providing infertility treatment to those who wish to
29 start a family, "World Embryologist Day" is celebrated on July
30 25; and
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1 WHEREAS, In celebration of the advancements made in fertility
2 medicine, "World IVF Day" is celebrated on July 25, the birthday
3 of the first IVF baby; therefore be it
4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize July
5 25, 2024, as "World IVF Day" in Pennsylvania.
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