SAN FRANCISCO: Brooke Shields says advances in biotechnology helped her become a mother. Speaking at a meeting at BIO 2004, an annual international biotechnology industry convention, the 39-year-old actress said in vitro fertilisation helped her become pregnant with her daughter, one-year-old Rowan. She said she was considering going through the treatment again to have a second child. Shields entertained the audience with stories of how she and her husband, Chris Henchy, found creative ways — and unlikely places — to administer the daily injections that are required for in vitro fertilization, including a basement bathroom stall at the Tribeca Grill, a swank New York restaurant. Shields said she was puzzled by anti-biotechnology protesters who had targeted the convention, saying they must not realise how biotechnology can help people. — AP