HIV-, HBV-, and HCV-Related Information on U.S. Fertility Clinic Websites: A Content Analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: People living with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus (PLHIV/HBV/HCV) face barriers to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), in part, due to laws and professional regulations mandating dedicated laboratory facilities and storage tanks for reproductive tissue to minimize theoretical risk of cross-contamination. These guidelines greatly increase the expense of providing equal care, however, fertility clinics are neither required to treat nor disclose whether they treat PLHIV/HBV/HCV. Clinics' websites are an important source of information regarding available services for prospective patients and referring providers. We assessed whether clinic websites disclose availability of ART for PLHIV/HBV/HCV.Methods: Websites for Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology-accredited clinics in Northeast and South Atlantic United States were searched systematically for HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-specific content. Qualitative and thematic analysis was performed. Clinic characteristics (annual volume, practice setting) were collected.Results: Of 136 websites, nine (6.6%) had information relevant to PLHIV seeking infertility treatment, and seven (5.1%) offered at least some treatments. Three clinics (2.2%) also mentioned treatment information relevant for PLHBV/HCV, one of which offered treatment. Information was often difficult to find or interpret. By contrast, 77/136 (56.6%) of clinics mentioned universally screening patients for HIV and 77/136 (56.6%) mentioned screening for HBV/HCV before ART.Conclusion: Given economic disincentives to providing ART to PLHIV/HBV/HCV under current guidelines, the paucity of clinics openly offering treatment suggests a troubling lack of transparency or, possibly, a lack of available care. Further research should examine the impact of current guidelines and whether dedicated facilities and storage are medically indicated.