Children Of  Men
2014

Coolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA

with

Dr. David Ryley

Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist

Children of Men— The Science of Fertility

A discussion of what the future hold for fertility rates and what treatments are currently being used for infertility.

Coolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA

Film Synopsis

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have become somehow infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.

It is the year 2027, and it has been 18 years since the last baby was born. Explosions erupt in cafes, surveillance cameras abound, armed guards roam the streets, and illegal immigrants are hauled into teeming refugee camps. Theo (Clive Owen), a jaded employee of the Ministry of Energy, tunes out the chaos that surrounds him, but finds his apolitical stance challenged by the reappearance of his former lover, Julian (Julianne Moore). Now the leader of an underground immigrant rights group, Julian pleads with Theo to help escort a young female refugee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) out of the country. After reluctantly agreeing to lend a hand, Theo discovers that the refugee is harboring a shocking, hopeful secret: she is pregnant. Adapted from the P. D. James novel of the same name, Children of Men was nominated for three Academy Awards.

About the Speaker

Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. David Ryley, a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine, has extensive experience in reproductive genetics, infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, and recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Ryley has performed research and presented his findings on genetic control of oocyte maturation, IVF outcomes in patients who do not respond well to inducted ovulation, and the effects of BMI on fertility.

A clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Ryley has a special interest in helping to preserve fertility in male and female cancer survivors and those undergoing cancer treatments. Dr. Ryley was recently appointed to the advisory board of Fertile Hope, a national nonprofit organization that provides support to cancer patients whose fertility is at risk.

Dr. Ryley is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds general certification and subspecialty certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.