The world's first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, has led the tributes to the pioneer of IVF, who has died aged 87.

Prof Sir Robert Edwards was knighted in 2011, five decades after he began experimenting with IVF.

His work led to the birth of Ms Brown at Oldham General Hospital in 1978. She said he had brought "happiness and joy" to millions of people.

IVF is used worldwide and has resulted in more than five million babies.

Prof Edwards died in his sleep after a long illness.

Ms Brown said: "I have always regarded Robert Edwards as like a grandfather to me.

"His work, along with Patrick Steptoe, has brought happiness and joy to millions of people all over the world by enabling them to have children.

"I am glad that he lived long enough to be recognised with a Nobel prize for his work, and his legacy will live on with all the IVF work being carried out throughout the world."

Full Report on BBC

One of my nieces was conceived via IVF. 

I never liked the term "test tube baby" because I thought it meant fetuses were being gestated in test tubes, which freaked me out as a kid!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LG6QmBrW84U/S6WffjVl7XI/AAAAAAAAADE/iXTWK5JC4Xw/s200/1978_-_First_Test_Tube_Baby_Was_Born-ydyok8-d.jpg

If I were to father a test tube baby, I'd be afraid of the glass breaking.  :P

(In The Year 6565)...'You'll pick your sons, pick your daughters too...from the bottom of a long glass tube...'

He beat Zager And Evans by some 4500 years! Well done, sir!