The film Joy takes us back to the 1970s when science made the impossible possible: the birth of the first IVF baby. Based on a true story, the film highlights the challenges and sacrifices behind this revolution in reproductive medicine.
Embryolab’s experts share their thoughts and emotions about this story that changed the world of reproduction and brought hope to millions of families.
A tribute to science, perseverance, and the hope for life! If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely worth your time!
Dr. Michael Kyriakidis, MD, MSc, Gynecologist in Assisted Reproduction,
Fertility Specialist, Clinical Head of International Department in Embryolab Fertility Clinic
It’s very touching to see how it all started. In vitro fertilization and reproductive medicine, in general, have been with us for the past five decades. Sometimes, we take certain things for granted and forget the difficulties that have arisen over time. It’s truly beautiful to witness how the first spark of this incredibly important science was ignited, a science that has helped millions of people around the world begin their families.
In this particular film, the difficulties, insecurities, disappointments, and successes of the team of scientists who succeeded in the birth of the first child through in vitro fertilization, despite the challenges of the time, are portrayed in a very vivid way. Equally impressively, the worries, emotions, and concerns of the patients, most of them young couples facing a relatively unknown but very difficult problem—infertility—are also depicted. Fortunately, the development of science and medical knowledge has made tremendous strides. However, it will always be very moving to see how it all began.
Mary Karagianni, BSc, MSc, Biologist, Clinical Embryologist
Joy (2024) tells the story of the first child in a “test tube”, Louise Joy Brown, and is a deeply emotional experience.
The film is a tribute to both scientists and patients. From Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe and Jean Purdy, to the thousands of scientists in the field of assisted reproduction. And from the first embryo, to the millions of children born thanks to the advances in assisted reproduction. And finally, a great tribute to those few but courageous first couples who, against prejudice and zero success rates, trusted science with their dream, to reach the millions of couples around the world today who are realizing their dream through assisted reproduction.
There were many powerful moments that touched my heart as an embryologist. One of these was the scene where the team celebrated the first fertilized egg under the microscope-a moment of wonder and hope that reflects the joy we feel in the lab seeing the beginning of the journey to life. Or the scene where the team, after multiple failures, achieves the first pregnancy. This moment is filled with tears of relief and excitement as everyone realizes that their work can bring real hope to families. Just as all scientists in the field of medically assisted reproduction feel every time we are faced with the positive outcome of a pregnancy.
This film is a reminder of the sacrifices and bravery required to bring IVF to the present day, and how those first steps continue to inspire our work. At the same time, it is a reminder of the place of women in science and the recognition they deserve. Jean Purdy’s story reminds us of the importance of equality in the scientific community and that despite the strides that have been made, there are still inequalities that need to be eliminated.
Behind every embryo is a story of science, perseverance and hope for the creation of life.
Marietta Gkouverou, BSc, MSc, International IVF Coordinator, Assisted Reproduction Midwife, ESHRE cert.
The Netflix film Joy was recently released which delves into the emotional and scientific journey behind the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
It centers on Jean Purdy, a pivotal yet historically underappreciated figure, whose dedicated work with Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe led to the birth of the first IVF baby, Louise Joy Brown, in 1978.
The narrative captures the trio’s challenges, including ethical dilemmas, the broader societal tensions and personal sacrifices, shedding light on the transformative impact of their efforts on reproductive science.
This movie resonates deeply with both worlds. Not only the individuals facing conception struggles but also the individuals working in IVF field, offering a narrative of hope and resilience for all parties in investing in the future.
Furthermore, it addresses the psychological burden of women undergoing IVF, but it does so with a light touch. While the movie captures the societal and emotional pressures surrounding IVF development, including the ethical and personal dilemmas faced by Jean Purdy and her colleagues, it doesn’t delve deeply into the individual psychological experiences of women receiving the treatment. The focus remains primarily on the scientific and historical aspects of IVF rather than a detailed exploration of the emotional toll on patients.
However, some scenes highlight moments of vulnerability, particularly in the depiction of patients’ hope and despair. These moments suggest the profound psychological strain of infertility, but the film skirts around the more intense emotional aspects to maintain a more accessible and optimistic tone.
This approach may led to viewers wanting a more in-depth portrayal of the psychological challenges faced by women undergoing such a deeply personal and stressful journey, which I am certain that will be welcomed in the future.
Certainly a movie that touches your heart and is worth your time!
