What Is The Future Of Fertility? – A Question of Science with Brian Cox

Professor Brian Cox and our expert panel explore the science of fertility.

Biology has come a long way, but when it comes to fertilisation, pregnancy, and development, our knowledge is still surprisingly limited.

In this episode, a panel of researchers, scientists, and ethicists discuss emerging technologies that could shape the future of fertility and pregnancy. They also tackle audience questions on declining sperm counts, egg freezing and the ethics of genetic screening.

#fertility #developmentalbiology #ivf

*In this episode*
0:00 What's this episode about?
1:30 Why are fertility rates declining?
2:22 What fertility treatments are there?
4:22 How many eggs do we have?
7:35 How do we study fertility and embryos?
9:35 How does egg freezing change the picture?
14:45 Could we (or should we) postpone menopause?
17:48 Can older eggs be ‘rejuvenated’?
20:10 Are decreasing sperm counts affecting fertility?
23:03 Can AI enhance IVF?
29:50 Do we know what causes early miscarriages?
32:08 Will it be possible for same-sex couples to have genetically related children?
35:38 How should children be told about different forms of conception?
38:27 What advances are coming next?


*Panellists*

• Joyce Harper – Professor of Reproductive Science, UCL
• Gunes Taylor – Molecular Biologist, University of Edinburgh
• Naomi Moris – Group Leader, Developmental Models Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute
• Lucy van de Wiel – Senior Lecturer in Global Health & Social Medicine, King’s College London

*A Question of Science*

A Question of Science is a groundbreaking series of panel discussions where experts from different fields respond to your questions, sharing the scientific perspective on society’s most pressing questions.

A Question of Science is a BBC Studios production for the Francis Crick Institute.

*The Francis Crick Institute*

The Francis Crick Institute is one of the biggest research institutes in Europe. We’re an independent lab and registered charity, and home to more than 1,500 scientists working to understand health, disease and how life works.

© BBC Studios / Francis Crick Institute 2025

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