‘The First World Congress on Natural Cycle/Minimal Stimulation IVF

London, December 15th and 16th 2006 At the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
You will be pleased to know that the Congress was a great success with delegates from 55 countries attending the scientific sessions and many experts contributing to the programme. We have received a very positive feedback from the delegates and speakers. (View a PDF of the Programme here)

More than 150 delegates have filled in the forms expressing an interest in becoming members of the Society and supporting its future activities.

This new Society, we believe, is much needed because not only are we entering an era of single embryo transfer but also we are increasingly aware of the need to put the welfare of the woman right at the top of the agenda when it comes to Assisted Reproduction. Therefore the Society is founded to promote a more physiological approach to Assisted Reproduction embracing not only Natural Cycle treatment but also gentle stimulation protocols and in vitro maturation of oocytes.

We feel that advances in embryology, ultrasound technology and endocrinology will make the natural cycle/ low stimulation approach more successful and increasingly relevant to everyday practice. The Society will focus both on the basic science and clinical aspects of Assisted Reproduction. It will also be committed to promoting international multi-centre scientific research, regular practical workshops for training and also to campaign for a physiological, safe and affordable assisted reproduction technology (ART) globally.

Following suggestions to rename the Society at the recent meeting, the Committee has proposed the new name ISMAR (International Society of Minimally Assisted Reproduction) which will reflect the broader remit of our agenda. Please let us know whether you would approve of this change.

The officers of the Society will meet shortly to formalise the constitution and future events and we will write to you after the meeting.

We very much hope that you will join the society and contribute to the success of this important initiative.