Breakthrough Babies - by Simon Fishel (Paperback)

About the Book

A fascinating personal account of the early days of IVF, from the world's first IVF clinic through nearly four decades of academic and private practice. As well as his pioneering medical-scientific work to provide new treatments for patients, Simon Fishel's career has involved battles in both the social and professional arenas.

Book Synopsis

An account from the frontline of fertility treatment, giving a unique insight into not only the medical and scientific advances involved but the human cost and rewards behind this life-changing technology.

Simon Fishel worked with Robert Edwards during his pioneering early IVF research and was part of the team in the world's first IVF clinic, with all the trials and tribulations that involved at the time, including a writ for murder!

As the science developed over the decades so did his career, as he sought to do more for patients and taught the new technologies to doctors all over the world. He came up against regulatory and establishment barriers, including fighting a 3-year legal case in the High Court of Justice and a death threat from a doctor if he refused to work with him.

The clinic he founded has grown into the largest IVF group in the UK, developing exciting new procedures, and he has helped establish clinics throughout the world, even being invited to introduce IVF to China.

Review Quotes

"I've enjoyed many medical memoirs, and have read quite a few about the miracle of birth-but these were midwife memoirs. This one starts way before actual births and tells of the growth of IVF treatment. It was a fascinating read. Simon Fishel originally worked with Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, pioneers in IVF treatment. He later set up an IVF unit in a hospital in Nottingham. You hear of so many couples having IVF treatment now-relatives, friends; so it was interesting to go back to its infancy. There were amazing advances made-whilst at the same time they suffered much opposition to what they were doing. This book is not just about miracle babies, there would be many hurdles and surprising events I didn't envisage too. The book contains photos and news clippings." Julie Haigh

"A remarkable and open account of the early years of IVF." Mrs A

"A very personal account. Not what you think. Simon Fishel sacrificed so much to get his CARE fertility clinics off the ground and personally risked it all by pushing the boundaries to help couples conceive and have genetically normal babies. I was amazed that he has was plagued by legal and financial problems for years and still kept on going. A very brave, determined man. Bravo!"