IVF Pioneer Robert Edwards Wins Nobel Prize

A picture of Robert Edwards of Britain is projected behind Christer Hoog of the Karolinska Institute as Hoog announces that Edwards wins the 2010 Nobel Prize in medicine or physiology, in Stockholm, Sweden, 04 October 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

British scientist Robert Edwards, the man who devised the fertility treatment IVF, has been awarded this year's Nobel prize for medicine.

His efforts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby" in July 1978.

Since then nearly four million babies have been born following IVF.

"Today, Robert Edwards' vision is a reality and brings joy to infertile people all over the world," the assembly said, as cited by BBC.

Prof Edwards, who is ill, was not available to speak to the media.

"Unfortunately, Prof Edwards is not in good health at this time," Nobel committee member Goran Hansson told a news conference.

"I spoke to his wife, and she was delighted. She was sure he would also be delighted."

Professor Basil Tarlatzis, past-president of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, said: "This is a well deserved honour.

"IVF has opened new avenues of hope for millions of couples throughout the world.

"Edwards and Steptoe were real pioneers, and the award of the Nobel Prize honours not just their work, but the whole field of reproductive science.

"After their breakthrough work, Robert went on to nurture the development of the assisted reproduction.

"No-one deserves this award more, and we congratulate him."

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