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Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences of Delivering Fertility Care to Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand experience high infertility rates yet low use of assisted reproductive technology services. This qualitative study explored healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering fertility care to Pacific patients. Using talanoa interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis informed by Pacific holistic health perspectives, 11 healthcare professionals participated. Three themes were identified: delayed presentation to care, systemic barriers to fertility services, and social, cultural, and relational influences on care experiences. Participants highlighted barriers including public funding criteria, stigma, and limited cultural safety training. These findings identify opportunities for clinician development and system-level changes to improve equitable fertility care access.

Source: Women s Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.1080/23293691.2026.2750996

Authors: Katrina Sharlott, Rebekah G. Kennedy, Cameron D. Young, Simon A. Erickson, Zaramasina L. Clark, Edmond S. Fehoko

Institutions: University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Technologies

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Health Research Council of New Zealand, European Social Fund