SHE MEANS BUSINESS| The science of hope: Inside an IVF lab in Kenya

For many couples and individuals struggling with infertility, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy have opened new possibilities for building a family. Yet the two terms are often misunderstood or used interchangeably, even though they refer to different stages of assisted reproduction.

In the latest episode of She Means Business, embryologist Gaynor takes viewers inside an IVF laboratory, explaining the step-by-step process of how embryos are created and cared for before transfer. The episode also features bioethicist Ayieta Lumbasyo, who explores the ethical and legal questions surrounding surrogacy in Kenya, including the financial considerations involved.

According to the Mayo Clinic, IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy. IVF may use the intended parents' eggs and sperm or, in some cases, donor eggs, sperm or embryos. 

During the video, Gaynor walks viewers through each stage of the laboratory process—from egg retrieval and fertilisation to embryo development and selection—offering a rare glimpse into the science that takes place behind the scenes before an embryo is transferred.

Surrogacy, on the other hand, is an arrangement in which another woman carries a pregnancy for the intended parent or parents. In gestational surrogacy, which is the most common form, the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the baby because the embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm before being transferred to the surrogate's uterus. 

In the discussion, Lumbasyo notes that while interest in surrogacy is growing in Kenya, it raises complex ethical, legal and social questions. She also addresses the issue of cost, explaining that there is no standard price because each arrangement differs depending on the medical, legal and personal circumstances involved. Rather than quoting a single figure, she emphasises that every case should be assessed individually.

The conversation also highlights the importance of informed decision-making. The Mayo Clinic notes that while IVF has helped millions of people worldwide, success depends on several factors, including age and the underlying cause of infertility. Treatment can also be physically, emotionally and financially demanding. 

As more Kenyans openly discuss fertility challenges, conversations around IVF and surrogacy are becoming less taboo. By bringing together scientific expertise and ethical perspectives, She Means Business aims to provide viewers with accurate information to help them better understand the options available on the journey to parenthood.