Assisted reproduce technologies (ART)

Options

A. include social awareness programmes to educate people about reproductive health and diseases
B. include research organisation working to produce new and more effective contraceptives for birth control
C. include a number of special techniques which assist infertile couples to have children
D. both (b) and (c)

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):**
- ART refers to medical procedures used to treat infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse.

2. **Diagnosis of Infertility:**
- The first step in ART is diagnosing the cause of infertility. This involves assessing both partners to determine whether the issue lies with the male (e.g., low sperm count) or the female (e.g., ovulation disorders).

3. **Types of Assisted Reproductive Technologies:**
- There are several techniques under ART that assist couples in conceiving:
- **In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):** Eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted in the uterus.
- **Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT):** Eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes.
- **Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT):** A fertilized egg (zygote) is placed into the fallopian tube.
- **Artificial Insemination:** Sperm is directly inserted into a woman's reproductive tract.

4. **Purpose of ART:**
- The primary purpose of ART is to assist infertile couples in achieving pregnancy through these specialized techniques, rather than focusing on social awareness or contraceptive research.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the options provided, the correct answer is that ART includes a number of special techniques which assist infertile couples to have children (Option C). Options A and B do not accurately describe ART.