The landscape of assisted reproductive technology access in India

Abstract

Historically, infertility has been stigmatized in the Indian society, primarily due to societal norms that equate marriage with procreation. In 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 made 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 the recent years, challenges remain, particularly regarding the 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 ART act aim to regulate, improve outcomes and curb unethical practice. Despite these advancements, the high cost of treatment cycles and lack of insurance coverage limit many 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.

Figure 1

The number of assisted reproductive technology facilities available in India (Source: https://artsurrogacy.gov.in/; last accessed 1 August 2024).