In a society where the traditional narrative of motherhood is often confined to a rigid timeline involving marriage and childbirth at a specific age, the advent of ‘in vitro fertilisation’ (IVF) has emerged as a transformative alternative. This medical advancement not only challenges societal norms but also grants women the empowering opportunity to pursue motherhood at a later stage in life, a choice that was previously limited.
This year’s Children’s Day, celebrated on 14 November, became a heartfelt tribute to the miracle of life and the joys of parenthood. The Abha Surgy Centre organized a remarkable event at a city hotel, heralding its significant 30th anniversary as a leading IVF and gynaecology institution in Eastern India. To commemorate this pivotal milestone, India Post unveiled a ‘Special Cover with My Stamp,’ an acknowledgment of the centre’s impactful journey. The event featured an engaging talk show titled ‘Motherhood and IVF: 46 Years of its Journey in India,’ showcasing distinguished speakers across various sectors, further enriching the dialogue around this vital subject.
The official ‘Special Cover and My Stamp’ ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Ashok Kumar, the Postmaster General of the Kolkata region, and Basudeb Mukherjee, the senior-most gynaecologist affiliated with Ankuran IVF Clinic, Woodlands Hospital and Manipal Hospital. Dr. Bani Kumar Mitra, the founder and chief consultant of Abha Surgy Centre, and Dr. Konkon Das Mitra, the centre’s director and chief embryologist, also honored the occasion with their presence and insights.
“It gives us profound happiness to realise that we have been successful for three decades in ensuring the fulfilment of motherhood to women who may not be able to attain it through the natural process,” stated Dr. Bani Kumar Mitra. “We aim to provide not just exceptional healthcare but also services that are accessible and affordable. Abha Surgy Centre remains a steadfast partner throughout their journey, from pre-teen years to post-menopause, earning their trust and support at every stage.”
He further elaborated on ethical considerations, saying, “Both in IVF and in normal pregnancy, sex determination is strictly forbidden by law and adhered to by us, the medical professionals. However, embryo selection may be performed solely in the presence of genetic disorders, ensuring that only healthy embryos devoid of harmful chromosomes are chosen for implantation. In lifestyle terms, both IVF and natural pregnancies share similarities; nevertheless, we advise extra caution with IVF due to the heightened risk of procedural complications.”
“The societal attitudes surrounding infertility in India and its neighboring regions continue to pose significant challenges. At Abha Surgy Centre, we are dedicated to alleviating the social and emotional burdens faced by numerous childless couples as they navigate the journey of IVF and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs),” explained Dr. Konkon Das Mitra.
Anindita Sarbadhicari shared her inspiring experience as a single mother through IVF with The Statesman, highlighting the societal hurdles she faced. “Back in 2018, the outdated notion of defining a child’s identity strictly through their father’s name created significant barriers. I encountered difficulties when enrolling my son in schools requiring proof of my marital status. Fortunately, South City International School embraced a progressive ethos, admitting my son without rigid adherence to antiquated social customs,” she recounted.
“Moreover, as we empower women through IVF, it’s crucial to also engage men in discussions about sperm donation. This initiative offers men a chance to contribute and support women like me who aspire to embrace motherhood,” she added, advocating for a more inclusive approach to parenthood.
**Interview with Dr. Bani Kumar Mitra, Founder and Chief Consultant of Abha Surgy Centre**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mitra. As the founder of Abha Surgy Centre, you’ve witnessed significant changes in the field of reproductive health over the past 30 years. Can you share your thoughts on how IVF has transformed societal perceptions of motherhood?
**Dr. Mitra:** Thank you for having me. IVF has indeed transformed the landscape of motherhood. In many ways, it has liberated women from the constraints of a traditional timeline for family planning. We now see more women feeling empowered to pursue their careers and life goals before embarking on motherhood. This shift challenges outdated societal norms and emphasizes that motherhood can be a choice rather than a necessity bound by age.
**Editor:** The recent celebration of your center’s 30th anniversary coincided with Children’s Day. How did the event symbolize the importance of motherhood and the IVF journey?
**Dr. Mitra:** Children’s Day is always a time to celebrate life and the joy of parenthood. Our event provided a platform to open dialogues about the journey of motherhood, particularly through IVF. We were honored to unveil the ‘Special Cover with My Stamp,’ which recognizes our commitment to helping families realize their dreams of parenthood. It was a fitting tribute to the miraculous outcomes IVF has facilitated over the years.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare. What steps does your center take to ensure that IVF services are within reach for all women?
**Dr. Mitra:** Accessibility is a core value at Abha Surgy Centre. We offer a range of financial plans and counseling services to help families navigate the costs associated with IVF. Our goal is to provide high-quality care without imposing a financial burden. We believe every woman deserves the right to pursue motherhood, regardless of her socioeconomic background.
**Editor:** Ethical considerations in reproductive health are increasingly important. What are some of the ethical challenges you’ve encountered, and how does your center address them?
**Dr. Mitra:** Ethical considerations in IVF can range from patient consent to the handling of sensitive information and the use of donor gametes. We prioritize transparency and informed consent at every stage of the process. Our medical team is trained to engage in open discussions with patients about their options, ensuring they feel supported and empowered in their decisions. Moreover, we adhere strictly to national guidelines to maintain ethical standards in our practices.
**Editor:** As a trailblazer in your field, what message do you hope to convey to women who are considering IVF as an option for motherhood?
**Dr. Mitra:** My message to women is clear: you have the power to take charge of your reproductive choices. IVF is not just a medical procedure; it is a pathway to fulfilling your dreams of motherhood, whatever your circumstance. Embrace the journey, seek support, and remember that you are not alone. At Abha Surgy Centre, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Mitra, for sharing your insights and the incredible work you and your team are doing at Abha Surgy Centre.
**Dr. Mitra:** Thank you for having me. It is a pleasure to share our journey and the joys of parenthood through IVF.
