Many species around the world are considered endangered and critically endangered. In order to help keep these populations viable, it’s necessary to maintain their genetic diversity and promote species recovery. In order to do this, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been developed in an attempt to successfully repopulate these species. By using these advanced technologies, we are opening up doors for conservation efforts to continue to improve and evolve. Aiding the process of species recovery through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI) come with many challenges. It is my hope to one day be alongside researchers and famous biologists to help improve  protocols for IVF and AI one day.

What is IVF and AI?

IVF is a process within the ART spectrum, which aides in the egg fertilization, development of the embryo, and implantation into the uterus (Planned Parenthood). After maturing eggs through hormone therapy, doctors and researchers have the ability remove the mature eggs from the female (Planned Parenthood). The eggs are then mixed with sperm in vitro and surgically placed back into the uterus with the hope of a successful pregnancy as the outcome (Planned Parenthood). AI is another form of ART, which can help to achieve a healthy pregnancy. AI is a process of inserting the sperm from a male directly into the uterus (Planned Parenthood). This method allows the sperm to have a higher chance of interacting with the egg after being placed through the cervix into the uterus (Planned Parenthood). These are very complicated, invasive processes, yet can result in so much joy if completed properly.