A team of researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital recently set out to explore if assisted reproductive technology (ART) impacts children’s cognitive development. In Denmark, nearly five percent of all births involve ART—a rate that is more than triple that of the U.S.
The study analyzed data from 8,251 Danish children conceived via ART from 1995 to 2000, including 4,991 singletons and 3,260 twins. These children’s academic performance was compared to that of 10,052 singletons and 10,833 twins conceived naturally. All students took a general test in ninth grade, and the findings were quite encouraging. The scores of children born through ART were similar to their peers, even among twins, where the effects of prematurity seemed to fade over time. However, researchers pointed out that Denmark had a lower twin birth rate during this period, and they stressed that multiple pregnancies still carry risks.
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In summary, children conceived through ART show comparable academic performance to their peers, offering reassurance to parents considering or utilizing these reproductive technologies.