In this blog, we celebrate Jean Purdy, an inspirational and pioneering embryologist, and the impact she's had on our embryology team.
The mother of IVF
Jean Purdy was one of the British innovators who pioneered IVF treatment that led to the first baby born through assisted reproductive techniques, Louise Joy Brown, in 1978. Initially interviewing as a lab technician, she used her skills as a qualified nurse to not only manage the laboratory, medical supplies and treatment notes but also to support the first patients in their treatment.
Purdy is widely recognised not just for her scientific discoveries, but she is often referred to as ‘the mother of IVF’. She was a companion to those going through the uncertainty of treatment at the time. The supporting nature of the role has continued into the embryology sector to this day, even as the process of fertility treatment has undergone massive development.
“One of my favourite things about being an Embryologist is being able to interact with patients and hear their stories. There aren’t many careers that allow you to do the ‘behind the scenes’ technical lab work and also put a face to a name. It’s a privilege being able to come alongside patients to help them create and complete their families.” – Charlotte Beaumont, Clinical Embryologist
Jean Purdy’s impact on the embryology sector
Jean Purdy has had an amazing impact in the field of reproductive science. She’s a pioneer for fertility treatment, and is credited with being the first person to recognise the early division of human cells and describe the formation of a blastocyst. Blastocyst is a stage of embryo development when cells have begun to differentiate from each other, and two groups of cells can be made out under the microscope. Some of the cells will form the baby and others will form the placenta.
It is incredible to think that just 9 years after the birth of Louise Joy Brown, our embryology team welcomed our first Manchester Fertility baby, Philip Hood, born in April 1987. Dr Debbie Falconer, the joint Managing Director of Manchester Fertility, was a key member of the embryology team that shared in the success of the first baby born at our clinic less than a year after we opened our doors. Since then, Manchester Fertility has expanded to include a large embryology team with a combined total of 136 years of experience, who have played a part in creating almost 10,000 babies since the clinic opened.
Our Embryology team reflect on Jean Purdy’s impact.
The pioneering team that discovered IVF changed the world of reproductive medicine, and Jean Purdy remains an inspiration for many women in science, especially those in the fertility sector. The field of embryology has undergone significant changes in the last 47 years since the birth of Louise Joy Brown and continues to develop.
“Everything is more sophisticated now, from the culture media and equipment to the treatment regimes to optimise our patients’ success.” – Dr Debbie Falconer, Managing Director
“The great thing about Embryology is that it is constantly evolving. As we find out more about gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos, how we look after them changes. Novel techniques and new ideas are always emerging, which means from year to year we’re able to introduce more advanced evidence-based technologies and hopefully give our patients the best chance of getting their longed-for family” - Charlotte Beaumont, Clinical Embryologist
While the technological advancements in the field are changing, the fundamentals of what we do remain the same. At Manchester Fertility, we continue to give hope to those needing assistance to start or grow their family and do our best to create life, turning people into parents. Our team recognise the innovations of the team, including Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards, Jean Purdy and Sister Muriel Harris, that have now enabled families to be created for generations. Without their work, we wouldn’t be able to do our job and continue to provide opportunities for so many people to create their families.
If you are looking to start or grow your family, you can speak with a member of our team for more information or guidance today by calling 0161 300 2737 or booking a free 1-2-1 discovery appointment.
Last updated: 24th July 2025
