Tanis Larson and her husband Dave struggled to conceive for two years before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in 2010. After the treatment, they ended up with 13 healthy embryos, leading to the birth of their first child, Kai, in August 2011. The Larsons went on to have two more children through embryo transfers before Tanis conceived naturally and had their fourth child, Suzy, in 2019. In 2021, a fifth child, Summer, was born with Down syndrome. The Larsons were content with their family until a call from the fertility clinic in 2023 prompted them to use their remaining two embryos.
At 32 weeks pregnant and 44 years old, Tanis Larson is expecting her fourth boy from the same IVF treatment in 2010. She hopes to give other mothers hope that they should never give up on starting a family. Dr. Mickey Coffler, a reproductive endocrinologist, explained that the risk of chromosomal abnormalities remains the same as when Tanis was younger, but there are additional health considerations associated with later pregnancies. He mentioned that preimplantation genetic testing could have been an option for the Larsons before transferring the frozen embryos.
In the midst of debates over IVF laws in the U.S., Alabama recently passed Senate Bill 159, which protects IVF treatments and ensures clinics can resume operations for patients. Governor Kay Ivey emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of life that includes IVF. The law aims to provide medical professionals with civil and criminal immunity in cases of unintentional damage to embryos, following a state Supreme Court ruling allowing couples to file for wrongful death claims in such situations.
The Larsons faced criticism online for their decision to have more children after Summer’s birth. Despite this, they have continued to expand their family and advocate for IVF as a viable option for couples struggling to conceive. Tanis expressed her desire to provide hope for other mothers facing similar challenges. The Larsons reflected on their unexpected journey of parenting multiple children from the same IVF treatment batch, as well as the joys and challenges that have come with it.
IVF remains a complex issue, with ongoing discussions and changes in legislation aimed at protecting and supporting families going through fertility treatments. The Larsons’ story serves as a testament to the resilience and perseverance needed to navigate the ups and downs of starting a family through non-traditional means. Their journey showcases the beauty and unpredictability of parenthood, as well as the importance of support and understanding for families facing unique circumstances. Despite the challenges they have encountered, the Larsons have embraced each new addition to their family with love and gratitude.
