Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Every day, it seems that we hear about infertility, and that it is a growing problem. But why, and might the survival of our species be at risk? We propose a discussion of infertility from several different perspectives. We will begin with how eggs and sperm are produced in the body and how fertilization happens. This will provide a platform for illustrating what can go wrong during this fundamental and fascinating part of the life cycle. We will then turn to assisted reproduction, focusing on how it can help and when, unfortunately, it cannot. We will finish with a discussion of the potentially complex ethical issues that surround this new technology. Our aim is to inform our audience members and to hear their perspectives and concerns on this subject, which is changing the lives of more and more Canadians.