FERTILITY CARE IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES: The landscape of assisted reproductive technology access in India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Historically, infertility has been stigmatized in Indian society, primarily due to societal norms that equate marriage with procreation. In the twentieth century, India focused primarily on over-fertility in its family planning programs, with little attention given to the complexities of infertility. The introduction of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the late 1970s marked a global revolution, including in India, offering hope to infertile couples. Despite a significant rise in ART clinics offering a wide range of treatment options in recent years, challenges remain, particularly regarding affordability. In India, ART is typically dominated by the private sector as government support remains limited. Efforts to standardize ART practices, including the establishment of the National ART & Surrogacy Registry and the ART Act aim to regulate, improve outcomes, and curb unethical practices. Despite these advancements, the high cost of treatment cycles and lack of insurance coverage limit couples' ability to undergo fertility treatment. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reform, increased public awareness, and the development of affordable treatment options to ensure broader access to reproductive care across India. Lay summary India has seen a significant rise in infertility clinics, predominantly in the private sector, catering to the need for increased infertility rates. With regulatory policies enforced by the government, standards for the establishment and functioning of assisted reproduction clinics have been prescribed. However, accessibility and affordability of these services remain a question for many infertile couples, especially in rural areas, as infertility treatment costs are high and are not subsidized by the government. Strategies are required to address the financial challenges as well as the shortage of qualified professionals in the assisted reproduction industry. In this review, we chart the development of assisted reproduction in India, with a focus on the regulatory policies and the current challenges that prevent broader access to reproductive care.
Source: Reproduction and Fertility
DOI: 10.1530/raf-24-0079
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403392443