a-child-against-all-odds-robert-winston

by winston-robert

Compared to the famously fecund rabbit, for whom a single act of coitus has a 90% chance of creating a litter of up to 12 rabbits, humans are very infertile animals. Here in the UK, the average chance of conception is about 18% per month. And in 98% of cases, successful conception leads only to the birth of a single infant. It is unsurprising then that huge efforts have been made to increase our fertility.In vitro fertilisation, first attempted one hundred years ago, has now become big business. Market forces, combined with the desperation of many couples to fulfil their biological imperative, have pushed doctors and scientists closer to the boundaries of what is desirable or ethical. And as we are increasingly able to access and control the embryo, the opportunities of altering human genetics to eradicate disease, but also to change human characteristics, becomes a real, and to some, frightening possibility.A Child Against All Odds is a ground-breaking book for Robert Winston as it falls squarely in his area of expertise. It combines his work at Hammersmith Hospital as one of the country's leading fertility specialists, with a hard-hitting, sometimes humorous, often controversial look at the scientific, social and ethical background of man's struggle to discover and control the secrets of reproduction. Drawing on personal and professional experience, it is the definitive account of modern reproductive technology from a practitioner who has spent his professional life at the forefront of this most fascinating and emotive area of science.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

560 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2006

Reviews

[Alan Heppenstall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, interesting and exciting. Especially enjoyed the scientific research stories.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great insight. This book is really informative and presents both sides to everything

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides fantastic insight into the world of human fertility from a prominent researcher and science communicator...

The book begins by explaining the complexities in achieving a viable pregnancy... I've been through the process, and never really gave much thought to the intricate series of elements that needed to align to make it happen. In explaining this many of the common causes of infertility become obvious. Then Robert Winston discusses some of the treatments for these problems, in particular provides significant detail on IVF. Then he discusses some of the advances possible through the use of IVF - freezing of embroyos, eggs and sperm, and surrogacy (including non-IVF surrogacy). Then he continues into elements that cause much public debate - Pre-implantation diagnosis, cloning, stem cells and the creation of transgenic animals.

In the introduction Robert Winston explains he needed to write the book quickly to match the timetable of the accompanying BBC TV Series (which I have not viewed). In places this is obvious with mentions of people yet to be introduced and language yet to be defined - but these really do not hinder understanding.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a biology report and I found that the information was very useful. Robert Winston integrates biological information and ethical, moral and religious views together into a unbiased, thorough whole, that reads easily. Humour is added with his experiences and makes the book more personal. I liked this book so much that I continued reading it after I had finished and handed in my report!!

[Zhi Ling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book expanded my scope of understanding about reproductive manipulation tremendously. Once again, Robert Winston has taught me the intricacies of the human body. Conception is indeed a matter of great luck for every couple, seeing how infertile humans are compared to other animals. Cloning and stem cell research were also discussed, and I like how the author states very legitimate arguments pertaining to these controversial issues.

[John Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for understading the history and development of assisted reproduction from one of the founding fathers of the modern era

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, and written in a clear accessible style.