History and philosophy

Brief History.
Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland commenced a service in the Rotunda Hospital under the Directorship of Professor Robert Harrison on the 1st October 1989.  Since this date the unit has undergone many changes not only in the treatment services we provide but also our facilities and staff. 

We have grown from a small team of seven completing 101 zygote transfers in 1989-1990 resulting in 19 pregnancies to a multi-disciplinary unit with a staff of 39.  In 2007 980 zygote transfers resulted in 417 clinical pregnancies and 430 babies.  For the period 1989-2007 we have completed a total of 11,302 zygote transfers resulting in over 3499 live births. 

In 2002 we received recognition from the Department of Health and Children as being the National Cryopreservation Centre for Male Cancer Patients and in 2006 have received further recognition from the HSE for oocyte cryopreservation services for female cancer patients.

The unit is at present under the Directorship of Dr. Michael Darling and Dr. Edgar Mocanu is the Consultant in Charge.

HARI Philosophy.
Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland works in the knowledge that IVF/ICSI carries a worse prognosis in terms of pregnancies achieved and arguably with a higher risk of complications than almost any other form of treatment that can be offered to infertile couples.  However, with the co-operation of the couple as part of the team to ensure as safe passage as there can be, participation in the programme can nevertheless be the final answer whether they succeed or not in their quest for a child.