Legal Definitions - in vitro fertilization

Definition: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure where an egg is fertilized outside a woman's body and then placed into the uterus for pregnancy.

For example, if a woman is having difficulty getting pregnant, she may undergo IVF. During the procedure, doctors will extract eggs from the woman's ovaries and combine them with sperm in a laboratory dish. Once fertilized, the embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus for implantation and pregnancy.

IVF is a common fertility treatment for couples struggling with infertility. It can also be used for women who have certain medical conditions that prevent them from getting pregnant naturally.