O-112 Jean Purdy - The silent partner

Abstract The development of a novel technique requires diverse team whose individuals share the same goal but who each bring different strength and aspect their personality to research/ project. A “front man” with tenacity drive vision needs support such team. To quote Aristotle “The whole is greater than sum it's parts”. This expression could be aptly applied pioneers IVF, Robert Edwards Patrick Steptoe about whom much has been written. Their determination in face societal opposition competition from across Atlantic, was supported by silent group lesser known individuals. Jean Purdy (research nurse laboratory assistant), Muriel Harris (operating theatre superintendent), Lillian Lincoln Howell (philanthropist) Ruth Fowler (scientist wife). Not mention 280 unidentified women patients partners played part. All drawn together quest try help achieve families they so desired. In my presentation I am concentrating specifically on life her contribution work which sees us all here today Copenhagen.She had short pivotal life, often attributed being first embryologist, prematurely dying at age 39 malignant melanoma. As March 2021 least eight million babies worldwide have born IVF. wonder how astounded these would see far we come what make world wide impact made significant criticism, moral outrage scepticism professional peers, church, media society?