CEBU, Philippines – Close to 80 in-vitro-fertilization babies - or so-called test-tube babies - and their parents celebrated the birthday of Cebu-based fertility specialist Dr. Marivic Tan on Monday last week, September 21.
The birthday celebration, held at the Sampaguita Ballroom of the Cebu City Marriot Hotel, doubled as a reunion of families that overcame infertility-related challenges with the professional help of Dr. Tan.
"In vitro fertilization" (IVF) is a process in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body. The term "in vitro" means "in glass," the test tube being made of glass or glass-like material. IVF is often resorted to in issues concerning infertility between the couple.
The more than 45 couples who attended last Monday's affair had previously consulted and successfully undergone treatment sessions with Dr. Tan, who heads the fertility center Repro Optima Center for Reproductive Health, Inc., located at the JRDC Building along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.
The center has been operational since 2008. It is the first fertility center of its caliber to open in Cebu and is one of the few in the country. (YRST)