The impact of war on reproductive medicine in Ukraine

Abstract

Reproductive medicine plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and families. However, the ongoing assault of Russia on Ukraine has disrupted the provision of healthcare services in Ukraine, including of reproductive medicine. The impact of the war on the state of reproductive medicine can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare providers and policy makers in war-affected areas. This article explores the situation of reproductive medicine in Ukraine after the Russian attack on Ukraine and the full-scale war on 24 February 2022, including changes in the availability and quality of services and the challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients. IVF clinics face significant challenges in safeguarding the fate of cryopreserved embryos and reproductive cells. To address these challenges, clinics need to take measures to ensure their facilities' safety and security, maintain continuity of operations, and navigate ethical and legal dilemmas related to patients' reproductive material. By examining the available data and insights from healthcare providers and patients, this article will contribute to the broader understanding of the impact of war on reproductive health and the importance of ensuring access to essential healthcare services in war-affected areas.

Keywords: Fertility; IVF; Impact; Ukraine; War.