This pioneering IVF nurse is finally getting the recognition she deserves

Jean Purdy was one of the pioneers of IVF, but the full extent of her contribution has only just been acknowledged.
Originally trained as a nurse, Jean was determined to become a scientist. She successfully applied for a research post with Professor Sir Robert Edwards in the 1960s. And she soon proved her worth when the pair began working with Dr Patrick Steptoe at the Centre for Human Reproduction in Oldham.
Despite years of ridicule from other scientists, the trio pioneered landmark research into fertility treatment, which culminated in the birth of the world’s first ‘test tube baby’ when Louise Brown was born via IVF in 1978.
But when a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the team’s achievement, Jean’s name was missed off. Now letters from Professor Edwards’ archive, which have newly been made public, have confirmed that Jean, who co-authored 26 academic papers on IVF, was an equal contributor.
Professor Edwards, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 in honour of the team’s work, insisted that Jean had "contributed as much as I did to the project" and was "an equal contributor to Patrick Steptoe and myself".
Louise Brown paid tribute to Jean, Robert and Patrick on her 40th birthday last year, calling the dream team ‘fantastic’ and pointing out that "without them I wouldn’t be here, and neither would six-and-a-half million other people".
Sadly, Jean died when Louise was just seven years old, followed by Patrick three years later.
"I didn’t get to know Jean as well as I would have liked to," Louise admitted. But she kept in touch with Professor ‘Bob’ Edwards, who even went to her wedding in 2004.
The tendency to write women out of scientific history is called the Matilda effect after suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, who wrote an essay called Woman as Inventor in 1883.
"Although woman’s scientific education has been grossly neglected,’ she wrote, ‘yet some of the most important inventions of the world are due to her."
We’re glad Jean is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
-
-
Louise Redknapp says she was snubbed by her celebrity pals after divorcing Jamie
Louise Redknapp has thanked Jimmy Carr for his friendship after her other famous pals snubbed her
By Robyn Morris •
-
Kate Middleton rewears £5 Accessorize earrings for latest video appearance
Kate Middleton has reworn a bargain pair of earrings she first debuted last year
By Robyn Morris •
-
Louise Redknapp says she was snubbed by her celebrity pals after divorcing Jamie
Louise Redknapp has thanked Jimmy Carr for his friendship after her other famous pals snubbed her
By Robyn Morris •
-
Kate Middleton rewears £5 Accessorize earrings for latest video appearance
Kate Middleton has reworn a bargain pair of earrings she first debuted last year
By Robyn Morris •
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Sussex Royal charity 'under review from charity watchdog'
Meghan and Harry's charity is being reviewed amid concerns on how it was run before it was shut down last year
By Robyn Morris •
-
What does Jennifer Aniston's 11 11 tattoo mean? The star reveals special meaning
Jennifer Aniston has finally shared the meaning behind her wrist tattoo
By Robyn Morris •
-
The Queen has not been given an advance copy of Meghan and Harry's bombshell Oprah interview
The Queen will watch at the same time as the rest of the world
By Robyn Morris •
-
Mariah Carey says that she and Princess Diana 'shared an understanding'
The pop sensation opened up about her bond with Princess Diana
By Robyn Morris •
-
Will Trooping the Colour take place in 2021?
The royal event was cancelled last year
By Sarah Finley •
-
Line of Duty star reveals serious season 6 twist - are you ready for this?
This is one twist we didn’t see coming...
By Emma Shacklock •