Received March 14, 2011
Accepted March 14, 2011

It has recently been clearly demonstrated that some (but not all) of previously documented, additive risks for children born after IVF treatments can actually be avoided, just by changing clinical IVF policies. Using SET as the norm will significantly reduce multiple births, which in turn reduces prematurity, which leads to reductions of specific medical problems like pre-clampsia, perinatal death and cerebral palsy. National IVF outcome data has been a powerful instrument, in some countries, to achieve this clinical transition of policies, directly protecting IVF safety. However, further steps must now be taken to reduce other additive risks with IVF (not affected by multiple pregnancies). Causative factors behind birth defects and imprinting disorders and, eventually even more significant, intrauterine growth disturbances and thereby birth weight disturbances with possible consequences for health later in life, are now being discussed. Epi-genetic mechanisms are involved. A closer scientific look are now being taken at the IVF method(s) per se. Strong versus milder ovarian stimulation as well as laboratory factors like the composition of culture media and culture time are in focus. IVF is not totally safe, but currently safe enough to continue to be used, provided monitoring of safety and research on possible risk factors will continue. Strategies for further risk reductions should be explored and research in this direction is already under way.