JOY: The Birth of IVF Review – Netflix Film About the History of IVF
A Netflix film (2024): Key themes from the perspective of fertility specialists Dr. Garcia and Dr. Wais
Joy – The Birth of IVF: A Story of Science, Sisterhood, and the Relentless Pursuit of Motherhood
Netflix’s Joy is more than just a film about the birth of IVF—it’s a profound exploration of human resilience, scientific innovation, and the emotional tapestry woven through the lives of those struggling with infertility. At its core, the film narrates the incredible journey of Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy, whose collaborative efforts led to the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, in 1978. But beyond the surface, Joy is a tribute to the untold stories of women, the power of community, and the fight against societal stigma.
Unveiling Jean Purdy – The Unsung Hero of IVF
One of the most striking elements of Joy is its deliberate focus on Jean Purdy, a woman whose name rarely graces the pages of medical history. While Dr. Edwards and Dr. Steptoe often receive the bulk of recognition, Purdy’s contributions were indispensable. As both a nurse and embryologist, she played a critical role in the delicate process of fertilizing eggs outside the body and nurturing the embryos before transfer.
The film beautifully highlights the trio’s relationship, often showing scenes where Purdy is pulled into photographs and invited into discussions that would traditionally sideline women in scientific fields. In one particularly moving scene, after Louise Brown’s birth, Steptoe physically pulls Purdy into the frame for a historic photograph, symbolizing the deep respect her colleagues held for her.
This detail wasn’t fabricated for dramatic effect—historical records confirm Purdy’s involvement at every stage of the process. Yet, her name was conspicuously absent from the commemorative plaque erected in 1982 at the hospital where the first IVF success took place. It wasn’t until 2015, after relentless advocacy from Dr. Edwards, that her name was finally added. Edwards’ words, “Without her, quite simply, this wouldn’t have happened,” echo throughout the film as a testament to Purdy’s indispensable role.
The Ovum Club – A Community of Women Bound by Hope
One of the film’s most heartwarming yet heartbreaking subplots is the story of the “ovum Club”, a self-proclaimed group of women participating in the experimental IVF trials. These women, who gathered in hospital waiting rooms, bonded over shared experiences of infertility, uncertainty, and hope. Their name, the “Ovum Club,” was a lighthearted nod to the idea that their bodies were vessels waiting to nurture life.
The film offers intimate glimpses into their lives. A powerful scene shows the women sitting in a cramped hospital corridor, chatting nervously as they await their turn for treatment. One woman knits quietly, another nervously flips through a magazine, while two others exchange whispered words of encouragement. This seemingly mundane scene underscores their unspoken solidarity, a reminder that while their chances of success were slim, their collective hope was unwavering.
A particularly emotional moment occurs when one woman, nearing 36 and no longer eligible for the trials, reflects on her journey. With a bittersweet smile, she acknowledges that while IVF may not help her, her participation might pave the way for future women. “Even if I don’t become a mother, I’ve helped science,” she says. This selflessness and willingness to contribute to the greater good reflects the universal bond many women share in the face of infertility.
“But We Will Have the Mothers” – Defying the Critics
The pioneers of IVF faced fierce opposition, from the media, the church, and even fellow scientists. The film does not shy away from portraying this reality. Headlines compare Edwards and Steptoe to “Dr. Frankenstein,” while others equate IVF to eugenics or playing God. In one pivotal scene, Dr. Edwards is shown debating Dr. James Watson (of DNA fame), who expresses grave concerns about the ethical implications of creating life outside the womb.
Edwards’ response is both calm and powerful: “Yes, there’s potential for misuse. But that’s true of any scientific advancement.” This moment reflects the broader ethical debates that continue to surround reproductive technologies. Yet Edwards’ unwavering focus is best captured in one line: “But we will have the mothers.”
This phrase, repeated like a mantra throughout the film, becomes the emotional heartbeat of the narrative. It symbolizes the driving force behind their work—the desire to give women the chance to become mothers, regardless of the societal pushback.
The Cost of Pioneering Science – Losses Along the Way
While Joy celebrates IVF’s triumph, it also bravely explores the emotional toll of failure. IVF in the 1970s was far from the sophisticated process it is today. Of the 236 women who participated in the early trials, only five became pregnant, and just two carried to term.
One of the film’s most poignant sequences involves a woman who experiences an ectopic pregnancy—a devastating complication where the embryo implants outside the uterus. The scene is raw, capturing the grief, confusion, and helplessness that often accompanies such losses. Another powerful moment features Purdy delivering the news of a negative pregnancy test to a patient. The silence in the room is deafening, yet the empathy radiates from Purdy’s body language.
These moments ground the film in reality, reminding viewers that while IVF is now a beacon of hope, its path was paved with the heartbreak of countless women who didn’t see success.
The Intersection of Faith and Science
Joy also delves into the intersection of faith and science, particularly through Jean Purdy’s personal journey. A devout Catholic, Purdy wrestles with her role in pioneering IVF while knowing the church condemns it. The tension reaches a peak when she discovers that Dr. Steptoe also performs abortions—a revelation that shakes her faith in their work.
In one memorable scene, Purdy confides in the hospital matron, questioning the morality of aiding fertility while terminating pregnancies. The matron’s response is simple yet profound: “We’re giving women choice. That’s what this is about.” This scene captures the essence of reproductive autonomy—a debate that persists today as societies continue to grapple with questions of bodily autonomy and the rights of women.
Legacy and Reflection
By the film’s conclusion, viewers are left with a deep sense of admiration, not just for the scientific breakthroughs but for the humanity that propelled them forward. The birth of Louise Brown marked the beginning of a revolution in reproductive medicine. Today, over 12 million babies have been born through IVF, a staggering number that underscores the lasting impact of Edwards, Steptoe, and Purdy’s work.
Yet, Joy doesn’t rest solely on the laurels of past achievements. The film gently reminds viewers that science, much like society, is ever-evolving. Conditions like endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, and unexplained infertility continue to challenge physicians. And while IVF has brought joy to millions, many women still face barriers—financial, emotional, and societal—in accessing treatment.
For those inspired by the film, the podcast hosts recommend supporting organizations like Fertility Friends Foundation, which helps individuals afford fertility treatments. This call to action serves as a modern echo of the Ovum Club—a reminder that community and compassion remain as vital today as they were in 1978.
Ultimately, Joy is not just a story about IVF. It’s a celebration of perseverance, the strength of women, and the relentless pursuit of motherhood.