Father of in-vitro fertilization dies in US

According to reports, Dr. Howard W. Jones Jr., famous for his work technique called in-vitro fertilization, died as a result of respiratory failure at Sentara Heart Hospital in Virginia. He was behind the birth of the first "test tube" baby.

The news regarding his death has come from Johns Hopkins Medicine. He passed away at the age of 104.

According to Paul B. Rothman, dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, "Johns Hopkins has lost one of our true giants. Dr. Jones was one of the most remarkable individuals I've ever known - with a razor-sharp mind, memory and perspective that would be the envy of anyone half, or a quarter, of his age".

As per reports, Jones and his wife, Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones, who was a professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital, became famous throughout the world for their work on the first baby that was conceived outside body of the mother in the United States.

The Joneses made announcement regarding the birth of Elizabeth Jordan Carr in Norfolk, Va., in 1981. They had started an in vitro fertilization program in Norfolk. According to Roger Carr, her father, Carr is presently a web producer for Runner's World.

Roger Carr said that he has no words to express what the great personality was for them. Carr added that he was not just a doctor; he was like a family member to them and was like a grandfather to Elizabeth. Carr said that they were quite upset when they heard the news regarding his death.