How to determine parent-child relationship in IVF
Test tube baby refers to the combination of sperm and eggs in the laboratory and the development of embryos through artificial pregnancy technology, and then the embryo is implanted into the mother's uterus to achieve the purpose of pregnancy. Because IVF pregnancy is carried out in the laboratory, some people may worry about the certainty of parent-child relationship. However, modern medical technology has been able to determine the parent-child relationship of IVF in many ways.
Gene testing
Gene testing is one of the most commonly used methods to determine parent-child relationship. By comparing the DNA of children and parents, we can accurately determine the parent-child relationship between children and parents. Generally speaking, gene testing can be performed by collecting oral mucosal cells or blood samples. In the case of IVF, the DNA of both parents is usually collected as a benchmark for comparison to obtain accurate results.
In China, many public hospitals and private medical institutions provide gene testing services. For example, hospitals such as Peking University First Hospital and Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai all have gene testing centers, which can provide professional testing services for parent-child relationship identification of test tube babies.
Observation of phenotypic characteristics
In addition to gene testing, observation of children's phenotypic characteristics can also be used as a basis for determining parent-child relationship. Human genes determine our genetic characteristics, including height, eye color, hair color, etc. Therefore, if there are obvious similarities between IVF and parents in these characteristics, it can be preliminarily judged that there is parent-child relationship between them.
However, it should be noted that phenotypic characteristics are not a very reliable method to determine because phenotypes can be affected by environmental factors. For example, if the parents of IVF babies have similar phenotypic characteristics, but both of them come from different geographical regions, the child's phenotypic characteristics may be affected by different environments, and the similarity with the parents may be reduced.
Medical records and certificates
IVF needs to go through many steps during pregnancy, and is often carried out in medical institutions. Therefore, medical records and relevant certificates can be used as a reference for determining parent-child relationship. For example, in the process of IVF pregnancy, doctors will record the personal information of both parents, the collected sperm and egg samples, and the specific conditions of the transferred embryos. These records and certificates can be compared with the child's identity certificate to determine the parent-child relationship.
At the same time, some medical institutions will also issue relevant certificates for IVF to prove that the child was obtained through legal means. These certificates can be used as one of the evidences of parent-child relationship.
legal proceedings
In some cases, if the parent-child relationship dispute is involved, the parent-child relationship of IVF can be determined through legal procedures. Legal proceedings usually require the collection of relevant evidence, which is decided by the court.
For example, in the UK, according to the Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryo Act, parents of IVF can apply to the court for parent-child relationship before the child is born. The court will consider the parents' wishes, DNA and other evidence, and make a final judgment.
Summary
The parent-child relationship of IVF can be determined in many ways. Gene testing is one of the most commonly used methods, which can accurately determine the parent-child relationship between children and parents. In addition, observation of children's phenotypic characteristics, medical records and certificates, and determination of parent-child relationship through legal procedures are also common methods. Comprehensive application of these methods can ensure the certainty and reliability of parent-child relationship.
When choosing a medical institution for IVF, formal hospitals and professional teams should be selected to ensure the determination of parent-child relationship and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of children.
