Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Ray of Hope for Infertility

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope to millions of individuals and couples facing fertility problems. From artificial insemination to cutting-edge gene editing techniques, ART enhances reproductive efficiency, transforming the landscape of reproductive medicine. While established techniques such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are currently widely used, emerging technologies such as in vitro gametogenesis, gene therapies, and stem cell-based therapies are expanding the boundaries of what is possible. ART is a rapidly advancing field, however the application of certain novel and emerging technologies in humans is still highly experimental, tightly regulated, and surrounded by ethical and legal challenges. Many innovations in ART are currently being tested only on animal models, yet some have successfully transitioned to human applications, including preimplantation genetic testing, mitochondrial replacement therapy, laser-assisted hatching, time-lapse imaging, and in vitro maturation. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is transforming reproductive medicine by enabling precise embryo selection, optimizing clinical protocols, and predicting treatment outcomes. This report explores data from the CAS Content Collection to outline the research progress in ART, to identify key emerging concepts and challenges, and its societal impact, in effort to understand how ART continues to shape the future of reproductive healthcare.