Safety issues in assisted reproduction technology: the children of assisted reproduction confront the responsible conduct of assisted reproductive technologies.

Neurological sequelae and multiple birth defects have been observed in children conceived by IVF and ICSI. Multiple pregnancy is the most important risk factor. These health problems challenge the responsible practice of medicine. The core values of medicine and the deontology of the profession have been reviewed to define the responsible conduct of research and clinical practice. Professional associations have proposed guidelines to reduce health problems in assisted reproductive technology. Although these health problems could have been prevented, this response by the medical community is nonetheless an important step towards improving responsible medical practices that have become questionable over the years. Professional associations must find out means, not only to implement their guidelines, but also to prevent the recurrence of such episodes in the history of medicine.