World In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Day 2026 observed on July 25

Key facts

• World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed every year on July 25 to mark the medical breakthrough in fertility treatment.
• The first IVF baby was born thanks to the pioneering work of Dr Robert Edwards and Dr Patrick Steptoe.
• Dr Robert Edwards was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing IVF treatment.
• IVF is a technical process in which retrieved oocytes are fertilized outside the body and developing embryos are subsequently transferred into the woman’s uterus.
• IVF success rates depend mainly on maternal age, embryo quality, and overall health; the live birth success rate per cycle is about 50% to 55% for women under 35.
• For women aged 35–37, the live birth success rate per cycle drops to 30% to 40%, and for women over 40 it falls below 15%.