07/31/2026
When people tell the story of IVF, Jean Purdy’s name is too often left out—but her contributions helped change reproductive medicine forever.
A nurse, embryologist, and scientist, Jean helped run the laboratory, meticulously documented years of research, and co-authored 26 scientific papers alongside Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe. In 1978, she witnessed the first embryo develop into what would become Louise Brown, the world’s first baby born through IVF.
Her role was so essential that when she stepped away temporarily to care for her mother, the research came to a halt. She later helped establish Bourn Hall, the world’s first dedicated IVF clinic.
Although Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010, Jean had already passed away, and Nobel Prizes are not awarded posthumously. For many years, her contributions were overlooked, but today her place in IVF history is finally being recognized.
Millions of families exist because three pioneers refused to give up:
Jean Purdy. Robert Edwards. Patrick Steptoe.
Today, we honor Jean Purdy—a woman whose dedication, brilliance, and perseverance helped make parenthood possible for millions. 🤍
