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Allowed Artificial Insemination

In a circular issued earlier this month, the Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms) gave permission to the private sector to conduct the fertility treatment. However, the authorities are still not too keen on giving a freehand to the private sector on the IVF procedures due to the fear of error. The treatment was banned in the private sector in 2005. Currently, both these fertility treatments are carried out by the Dubai Gynaecology and Fertility Centre (DG & FC) and Al Tawam Hospital in Al Ain. Hence, couples requiring treatment have only two choices: Bear the long wait, or opt for treatment abroad.

Dr Wael Shammour, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at the German Medical Centre in Dubai, says “Who will be responsible if there is a mix-up in the lineage? And practically speaking, there is a huge risk of mix-up in this treatment - intentional or by error.”

He said that private practices could cause ‘errors’ to show good rates of pregnancies.

IVF means placing a fertilised egg inside the uterus after the sperm and egg have already been united in a laboratory dish. A 3-5 days old embryo is then placed in the uterus.

“This is where there is a chance for a mix-up. Though in some countries it is acceptable to use a sperm other than the husband’s to fertilise the egg, it is unacceptable in Islam and the UAE,” he explained.

While IVF gives hope to women with complex fertility problems, AI is considered a minor treatment. “AI is a less complicated treatment and can be carried out in one hour as compared to IVF which is lengthy, painful and expensive, too,” he said. Artificial insemination is performed when there are complications in normal conceiving.

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