Archive footage taken after the birth of the world’s first ‘test tube baby’ at Oldham General is available to watch for the first time since it was aired in the 70s.
The episode called ‘Test Tube Baby’, which was originally broadcast in 1978 as part of the BBC’S Look North programme, has been released as part of the BBC’s Rewind project.
In the footage BBC reporter Alistair Macdonald speaks to the theatre sisters and nurses behind the birth of Louise Brown, who was born at Oldham General Hospital on July 25, 1978, after her parents Lesley and John became the first people to successfully undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Screenshots of two of the nurses who speak on the BBC Archive footage.
Louise’s birth came after 12 years of pioneering research by Oldham gynaecologist Dr Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Dr Robert Edwards.
ALSO READ: Plaque at Royal Oldham finally honours nurses' role in first IVF baby
Her birth attracted controversy, with religious leaders expressing concern about the use of artificial intervention and some raising fears that science was creating “Frankenbabies”, but also paved the way for millions of IVF births across the world.
Speaking to Alistair Macdonald, one nurse says: “Well I think we should treat it as a normal baby there’s no reason to treat it otherwise.”
A screenshot of the nurses speaking to Alistair Macdonald from the BBC Archive footage.
Alistair Macdonald later asks: “What was the reaction when the baby finally arrived?”, to which one of the nurses replies: “Well I was very pleased that it was a girl.”
Following her birth, Louise’s parents were sent hundreds of congratulations cards, as well as heart-breaking letters from women struggling to conceive.
Speaking during the clip one of the nurses describes how letters arrived at the hospital from “all over the world”.
She added: “People ring from all over the world wanting to come and see Mr Steptoe and they think unfortunately that if they come, they’re going to have this done straight away but as everyone knows we have don’t facilities and it’s a great shame I think”.
Concluding the group interview Alistair Macdonald asks the nurses: “Whether you like it or not you have got yourselves into the medical history books, do you feel any different?”
One of the nurses responds: “No I’m just thrilled about that baby and that it’s going to be possible for other people in the future and that disease doesn’t stop people having the families they should have”.
Watch the video at www.bbc.co.uk/rewind
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here