Patrick Steptoe, alongside Robert Edwards and nurse Jean Purdy, were the pioneers behind the development of IVF and the birth of the first ‘test-tube baby’. The emotional journey of these three trailblazers is now being showcased in the Netflix film ‘Joy’, which follows their decade-long endeavour to develop IVF for infertile mothers.
In the film, acclaimed actor Bill Nighy portrays Patrick, who is approached by visionary scientist Bob Edwards (played by James Norton) to help achieve the groundbreaking breakthrough of in vitro fertilisation. Despite initial scepticism and lack of support from the scientific and medical communities, Patrick joins the mission.
The real-life Patrick Steptoe took on the role of Director at the Centre for Human Reproduction, Oldham, in 1969, where he began his work with volunteering infertile women. It wasn’t until 1978 that the first test-tube baby was born.
To further his cause and train more specialists, Patrick helped establish the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridgeshire in 1980, where he served as Medical Director until his death.
Steptoe passed away in 1988 at the age of 74 in Canterbury. He was survived by his wife Sheena Kennedy and their two children, including psychologist and epidemiologist Andrew Steptoe.
In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a CBE in the 1988 New Year Honours, just a week after the birth of the 1,000th test-tube baby, conceived with his assistance.
In July 2013, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Bourn Hall Clinic, honouring Patrick and his colleagues, by Louise Brown and Alastair MacDonald, the first female and male IVF babies.
Patrick is also remembered with plaques at the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Maternity Ward and at 52 West End in Witney.
Louise Brown said: “Patrick Steptoe was like a grandfather to me. My mother, Lesley Brown, always said that she trusted him from the first moment that she met him.”
“Patrick died when I was 10 years old so I did not know him well. We last met when we were guests on a TV programme together and he was proud of the children he had helped bring into the world.”
“His legacy will live on as there are now millions of people in the world who owe their existence to the work of the IVF pioneers.”
At the unveiling of the Witney plaque, his son Andrew paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, saying: “Patrick was first and foremost a doctor intensely concerned about the health of women, and did much work on cervical cancer, pelvic pain, and sterilisations as well as infertility.”
“He worked very hard, doing a five-and-a-half-day week, and generally going into the hospital on Sunday morning as well to see how his patients were getting on.”
“His exceptional contributions to medicine and science came through his work with Bob Edwards, each bringing unique skills to the collaboration.
“But I think much of his commitment came from his upbringing here in Witney, his parents’ strong sense of service, and his mother’s example in helping poorer people in need. So I’m very proud that the town has recognised him in this way.”
Joy is available to watch on Netflix now