Abstract
Increased demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to socio-demographic trends, and supply facilitated by new technologies, converged to transform the way a substantial proportion of humans reproduce. The purpose of this article is to describe the societal and demographic trends driving increased worldwide demand for IVF, as well as to provide an overview of emerging technologies that promise to greatly expand IVF utilization and lower its cost.
Highlights
Since its clinical introduction in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has redefined the ability of the human species to procreate
It is likely that in the near future, as many as 10% of all children will be conceived through IVF in many parts of the world
Given the rapid scientific and technological evolution of In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG) and of reproductive genetics, it is imperative that both the public and regulatory bodies be engaged in establishing a framework for the ethical evaluation of emerging technologies [82,83,84]
Summary
Since its clinical introduction in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has redefined the ability of the human species to procreate. A growing proportion of women is delaying childbearing to a point where age-related fertility decline contributes to the prevalence of infertility and to increased demand for fertility treatments including IVF and oocyte cryopreservation. These trends will likely accelerate due to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forestalled new family formation. The concept that fertility is a basic human right is just starting to gain traction and is sure to accelerate wider adoption of such policies [6] Another recent development is the growing number of prominent corporations opting to fund fertility benefits as a part of their social mission and as a means of attracting and retaining employees. We describe promising future approaches and technological innovations which might improve IVF accessibility while reducing its costs and burden of care
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