Thirty years have passed since the first birth of China's in-vitro fertilization baby. (Photo: CGTN)

Thirty years have passed since the first birth of China's in-vitro fertilization baby, and such technology has helped more couples conceive. Last year, Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) conducted 30 thousand treatments, 10 times that of a comparable center in the US.

PUTH, the cradle of China's modern assisted reproduction technology, continuously explores ways to help infertile couples become parents - dating back to when family planning was a national policy in China.

Practicing at the hospital since 1985, Dr. Liu Ping has witnessed China's fertility technologies advance from day one to ranking on a par with the world's top hospitals.

“Peking University Third Hospital has always followed industry leaders closely. Over the past 30 years, we have gradually mastered assisted reproduction technology, practically from zero,” said Dr. Liu, the deputy director of the reproductive medical center of PUTH.

China's reform and opening-up provided an opportunity for the country's scientists to learn cutting-edge technologies and exchange innovative ideas with other countries.

“The reform and opening-up helped us overcome challenges, gain experience, cultivate talent and eventually we established our own system and treatment methods.” Dr. Liu added. 

In 1978, Louise Brown, the world's first tube baby, was born in England. Ten years later, Liu's mentor, Dr. Zhang Lizhu delivered the Chinese mainland's first one. Zhang's patient was 38 years old with a five percent success rate - almost a miracle - for women her age.

The patient's prayer was answered, by science and the hospital's unremitting efforts.

The nation cheered as Zheng Mengzhu came into the world. Zheng was the first and only of the many cases. Now, more than 200 thousand babies in the Chinese mainland are born via the assisted reproduction each year. With the universal second-child policy in full swing, more couples, with the first child or not, will seek solutions in both science and faith. 

Years later, Zheng came back to work at the hospital. Dr. Liu acknowledged that Zheng is a valued member of the team.

“I think this is a familiar place for her, she's emotionally attached to it.” said the doctor.