“The Crown” is a historical drama series on Netflix that follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her early days as a young princess to her current day as the reigning monarch of England.

The show has been praised for its accurate depiction of historical events and characters, but it has also been widely criticized for its use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a plot device.

The Use of IVF in “The Crown”

The use of IVF in “The Crown” has been a controversial topic since the show’s fourth season was released in November 2020.

The season revolves around the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and includes a storyline involving the Queen’s cousin, Margaret, and her decision to undergo IVF treatment in order to have a child.

While IVF has been a subject of fascination and controversy for decades, the storyline in “The Crown” has been criticized for its negative portrayal of the treatment and those who undergo it.

The portrayal of Margaret as desperate and selfish, willing to risk her health and well-being for the sake of having a child, has been seen by some as a harmful and inaccurate portrayal of IVF patients.

The Impact of IVF on “The Crown”

The use of IVF in “The Crown” has had a significant impact on both the show and the public’s perception of the treatment.

While the storyline has generated controversy and criticism, it has also sparked conversation and awareness about the realities of IVF and the challenges faced by those who undergo it.

Positive Impact

One positive impact of the IVF storyline in “The Crown” has been its ability to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of infertility and the lengths that some people are willing to go to have a child.

While the portrayal of IVF in the show may not be entirely accurate or representative of all IVF patients, it has provided a platform for discussion and awareness about the challenges faced by those who undergo IVF treatment.

The show has also highlighted the financial, emotional, and physical toll that IVF can take on those who undergo it.

The high costs of IVF treatment, as well as the stress and anxiety of multiple rounds of treatment, have been depicted in the show and have resonated with many viewers who have undergone the treatment themselves.

Negative Impact

On the other hand, the negative impact of the IVF storyline in “The Crown” has been its portrayal of IVF patients as selfish and willing to risk their health for the sake of having a child.

This is a harmful and inaccurate portrayal of those who undergo IVF treatment, as it perpetuates the false assumption that IVF patients are willing to do anything to have a child, regardless of the consequences.

Additionally, the show’s portrayal of IVF as a last resort for those who cannot have a child naturally has been criticized as outdated and unreflective of modern attitudes towards fertility.

IVF is now seen as a standard treatment option for infertility, rather than a desperate measure for those who cannot conceive naturally.

The Importance of Accurate and Sensitive Portrayals of IVF in Media

The controversy surrounding the IVF storyline in “The Crown” highlights the importance of accurate and sensitive portrayals of IVF in media.

While IVF can be a subject of fascination and debate, it is crucial to recognize the people behind the treatment and the challenges they face in undergoing it.

Accurate portrayals of IVF in media can help to reduce stigma and increase understanding of the experiences of infertility and IVF patients.

By showing the realities of IVF, including the emotional, financial, and physical toll it can take, media can help to demystify the treatment and raise awareness about the need for greater support and resources for those who undergo it.

Conclusion

While the IVF storyline in “The Crown” has generated controversy and criticism, it has also sparked conversation and awareness about the realities of IVF and the challenges faced by those who undergo it.

Accurate and sensitive portrayals of IVF in media are crucial to reducing stigma and increasing understanding of infertility and IVF patients.