A Life Made Possible: Why IVF is So Important
- Sophie Persia
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
By Sophie Persia
9/20/25
November 30th was the day that changed my life completely. I was sitting in my sophomore English class when my mom texted me that my godson, Dillon, was born. My phone buzzed with pictures of a newborn, and my heart swelled with joy. I was excited to take on this new journey of being a godmother. Living as a godmother has been my greatest blessing, but without in vitro fertilization (IVF), Dillon would not be here today.
IVF is when a mature egg is joined with sperm outside of the body, then implanted in the woman’s uterus. It is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is typically used when less expensive fertility treatments have failed. IVF includes 5 basic steps: stimulation, egg retrieval, insemination and fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. This treatment can help with infertility issues and pregnancy. Many couples use this technique to bring a child into the world.
However, Ohio lawmakers do not see IVF in the light that I do. In June of this year, Republican lawmakers were planning to propose a bill that would criminalize abortion, ban IVF, and outlaw some forms of contraceptives. The only exception for this bill would be if there was a life-threatening emergency or miscarriage. Beigel states, “It goes against the majority opinion of the people of Ohio, and that is something that we are proud of, because there have been many times in our country’s history where the people have asked for something evil — slavery was once legal in this country.” In the future months, the bill will be heard by the Republican-majority legislature.
When I first read about this proposed bill, I merely thought it did not concern me. But that is not true. It does concern me, as a Godparent of a child conceived through IVF. I pondered over the fact that, if this bill were to be passed three years earlier, Dillon would not be here today. I grieved for the Ohio parents who are considering using IVF to get pregnant. I mourned for the people who would never get to be a Godparent of a loving, joyful child. This proposed bill will strip away the ability for families to conceive via IVF. If this bill is passed by Ohio lawmakers, numerous families will be devastated by the fact that they will not be able to conceive.
Now, when I FaceTime Dillon every night, watching him play with his trucks or shoot a basketball, I realize how grateful I am for him. Without IVF, Dillon would not be here today. I would not be a Godparent to the sweetest, funniest kid. I would not get to watch him at soccer practice or show him funny videos of monkeys. If passed, this bill will devastate thousands of families who turn to IVF as a last resort to bring a child into this world.
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