During in vitro fertilization (IVF) morphological criteria are the only means usable today to select embryos before their uterine transfer in order to obtain pregnancy with the best chances of success. Since several years many attempts have been made to find more functional means. Quantification of apoptosis of granulosa cells has been proposed for this purpose. The aim of this review is to take stock of our knowledge on apoptosis and its mechanisms in granulosa cells and to analyse how quantification of these apoptotic cells could be a reliable and predictive marker of success for an attempt of an IVF in terms of pregnancy.