I’d never heard of Mason Andrews before reading of his death this past week, but without him, my son might not exist. No, he’s not our sperm donor—he’s the doctor who performed the first in vitro fertilization in the U. S. Although conservative activists tried to stop him from attempting the procedure, his privately funded clinic was able to proceed while other physicians and hospitals dependent on federal funding waited for approval from the government. Dr. Andrews also served on the City Council and as mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, leading a revival of the city’s downtown. It’s impressive when a person can not only help bring children into the world, but also work to make it a better place for them to live.
I know nothing more about Dr. Andrews or his politics, but will spare him a moment in my thoughts today. Without his perseverance, many people, including my partner and I, would not have the children they so desired.
Apparently, PBS is showing a documentary tonight (Monday) on the history of IVF. It sounds facinating!