Legal Definitions - gamete intrafallopian transfer

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a type of assisted reproductive technology designed to help individuals or couples conceive. In this procedure, mature eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and then, along with sperm, are immediately placed directly into one of her fallopian tubes. The primary goal of GIFT is for fertilization to occur naturally within the fallopian tube, mimicking the initial stages of natural conception inside the body.

Here are some examples illustrating how Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer might be applied:

• Example 1: Unexplained Infertility with Healthy Fallopian Tubes

  After two years of trying to conceive, Anna and Tom have undergone extensive fertility testing. All results, including Anna's ovulation cycles and Tom's sperm analysis, appear normal, and Anna's fallopian tubes are confirmed to be healthy and open. Despite this, they haven't been able to get pregnant, a situation known as unexplained infertility. Their fertility specialist suggests GIFT as a next step. The procedure involves retrieving Anna's eggs, combining them with Tom's sperm, and then placing both directly into Anna's fallopian tube, hoping fertilization will occur there naturally.

  This scenario demonstrates GIFT because the eggs and sperm are transferred directly into the fallopian tube, allowing the fertilization process to happen internally, which is the defining characteristic of this procedure, especially when other factors like tube blockage are not an issue.

• Example 2: Preference for Internal Fertilization

  Maria and Ben have been struggling with conception due to mild ovulatory dysfunction for Maria and a slight decrease in sperm motility for Ben. While they are open to assisted reproductive technologies, they express a strong preference for fertilization to occur within Maria's body if medically feasible. After confirming Maria's fallopian tubes are healthy and functional, their doctor recommends GIFT. This approach aligns with their desire for a more "natural" fertilization environment compared to *in vitro* fertilization (IVF), where fertilization happens in a lab.

  This example illustrates GIFT being chosen when a couple specifically desires that the egg and sperm meet and fertilize inside the woman's body, and her fallopian tubes are suitable for this process.

• Example 3: Following Unsuccessful Less Invasive Treatments

  Sarah and David have undergone several cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) without success. Their fertility clinic has confirmed that Sarah's fallopian tubes are clear and healthy, and David's sperm count and motility are within an acceptable range for assisted reproduction. To increase their chances of conception before considering more complex procedures like IVF, their doctor recommends Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer. This allows for a higher concentration of eggs and sperm to be placed directly into the fallopian tube, optimizing the environment for fertilization to occur internally.

  This scenario highlights GIFT as a strategic step after less invasive treatments have failed, leveraging the functionality of the fallopian tubes to facilitate fertilization within the body, which is central to the GIFT procedure.