In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer--legal and religious aspects in Israel, patient selection, and a modified technique for oocyte collection.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) have recently become an accepted treatment modality for patients with mechanically caused infertility. The first series admitted to our program comprised 42 patients with confirmed mechanical infertility. The method of patient selection and the techniques of laparoscopy, follicular aspiration and oocyte recovery are described. From 26 laparoscopies, a total of 39 oocytes was recovered. Normal cleavage of 10 oocytes was obtained; they were transferred into the uterus at the 4- to 16-cell stage. One pregnancy was obtained. An IVF and ET program involves certain ethical, legal and religious questions, which have special implications in Israel: foster mothers and the use of donor sperm are forbidden. Only married couples may enter the program. Indications, methods, success rates and method failure are discussed.