Are IVF Babies More Intelligent?

“Are IVF babies more intelligent?” is a question many curious young adults ask these days. With rapid advances in reproductive medicine and some companies promising genetic selection for traits like intelligence, it’s natural to wonder: do children born via IVF actually end up smarter?

What the Science Says

Multiple long-term studies comparing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or assisted reproductive technology (ART) children with naturally conceived peers consistently show no meaningful intelligence advantage. Large-scale follow‑ups up to age 9 report no significant differences in IQ, verbal ability, performance, or behaviour between IVF and naturally‑conceived children. In fact, average team IQ scores for IVF groups hover around 114–115, statistically indistinguishable from controls :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Similarly, a UK Millennium Cohort Study found that children conceived through IVF performed equivalently on language and reading tests between ages 3–11, with no cognitive advantage compared to children born naturally—once parental education and socioeconomic background were taken into account :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

In summary: scientifically, IVF children are *neither smarter nor less intelligent* than their naturally conceived peers—a finding reaffirmed across numerous studies :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Why the Misconception Exists

Some providers offer embryo screening using *polygenic risk scores*—algorithms that estimate genetic predisposition to traits such as educational attainment or cognitive performance. But experts agree: each embryo still has only a probabilistic score, explaining at most 5–10 % of variation in educational outcome, and the expected IQ gain is small—often just 2–6 points in idealized models. Many scientists view these estimates as overhyped and ethically questionable :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

For instance, one biotech company touted a hypothetical 6‑point IQ boost, but experts challenged its validity, noting that only a fraction of embryos survive IVF, and that environmental factors play an equally large role in shaping intelligence :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Nature, Nurture & the Limits of Heritability

Intelligence is influenced by genetics—heritability estimates suggest around 50‑60 % of variation in cognitive function can be traced to genes by adulthood. But environment also plays a major role—good nutrition, early learning experiences, schooling, and emotional support can shape outcomes dramatically (~25 %) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Moreover, the *Scarr–Rowe effect* suggests gene‑environment interactions: in lower‑income settings, heritability of IQ is reduced, because environmental factors dominate. In wealthier families, the genetic advantage shows through more clearly. That means IVF children born into educated, resource-rich families may do well—but this is due to their upbringing more than IVF itself :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Practical Perspective for Young Adults

If you're contemplating IVF or know someone who is, here’s what matters most:

**Focus on parenting environment**, not embryo selection. Early childhood access to education, stable home life, emotional support, health and nutrition make a far bigger impact on intelligence than IVF alone.
**Manage expectations** around so‑called "IQ screening" services. These technologies remain speculative, offer minimal gains, and carry ethical concerns—including exacerbating inequality or promoting genetic determinism.
**Know the risks and trade‑offs.** IVF brings advancements like mitochondrial donation (used to prevent hereditary disease in some UK contexts), but it doesn’t guarantee cognitive benefits—and is regulated or banned in many places :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
**Support mental well-being over test performance.** A new study following young adults conceived via ART found that they often report better social and environmental quality of life—even when factors like education or stress are controlled for :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Real‑World Example

Consider the growing micro‑industry of “designer baby” services—some Silicon Valley tech elites reportedly use polygenic screening to choose embryos with predicted traits linked to intelligence or height. But critics argue this approach mirrors modern eugenics, risks increasing social stratification, and still yields only probabilistic outcomes at best :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Meanwhile, a Harvard/JAMA Network Open survey found that while ~75 % of U.S. adults support using genetic screening to reduce disease risk, far fewer endorse using it to select traits like intelligence or appearance—highlighting widespread discomfort once ethical implications are understood :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Bottom Line: What You Should Know

No current evidence suggests IVF babies are smarter. The appearance of higher performance in many studies is explained by parental socioeconomic factors more than by IVF itself.

While modern technology can test embryos for risk of disease, current science cannot **accurately predict or guarantee intelligence**. Genetic screening for IQ remains speculative and ethically fraught.

What truly matters is the **environment**—love, early learning, nutritious food, emotional support, and access to quality education. These shape intelligence far more than conception method.

Key Takeaways

IVF children show similar IQ and cognitive outcomes as naturally conceived children.
Parental education and home support explain more of the outcome than IVF.
Polygenic screening promises small gains, based on weak predictive power.
Environmental advantage matters far more—focus on nurturing, not genetics.

Thinking about IVF? Ask: Will this method help you have a healthy child? What support and care surrounds that child afterward? Those choices matter more than unproven claims about intelligence.

Are IVF Babies More Intelligent?