In Remembrance of Dr. Abraham Albert “Al” Yuzpe

It is with deep sadness that we share of the passing of one of the AAGL’s esteemed and beloved founding members, Dr. Abraham Albert “Al” Yuzpe, on November 13, 2025. Dr. Yuzpe was a pioneer in reproductive medicine whose impact will be felt for generations. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues over this tremendous loss.

In 1973, Dr. Yuzpe served on the AAGL Executive Committee responsible for presenting topics at the AAGL’s first International Congress of Gynecological Laparoscopy in New Orleans. In this inaugural meeting, 600 participants were introduced to the principles of laparoscopy. Dr. Yuzpe later served as AAGL President 1984-1985.

A Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology since 2012 and co-founder of Olive Fertility Centre, Dr. Yuzpe was Canada’s most senior reproductive endocrinologist, with more than four decades dedicated to infertility care and three decades to IVF.

In 1974, he published the first description of a method for emergency contraception in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. The “Yuzpe Method” transformed reproductive choice worldwide and was later recognized among the ten Canadian discoveries with the greatest impact on child and youth health in the past century. In the 1970’s he also helped introduce laparoscopy to Canada, trained a generation of surgeons, and played a pivotal role in advancing assisted reproduction, including championing single-embryo transfer and advocating for public funding of IVF. Over his distinguished career, he established four IVF clinics and most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of The Fertility Partners.

With gratitude, we remember Dr. Yuzpe’s leadership and contributions in the founding of AAGL, along with his profound impact in reproductive medicine. Yet beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments, Al will be remembered for his kindness, humility, mentorship, and wit. His legacy has touched each of us and he will be missed.