Providing infertility treatment in resource-poor countries.
Recently, several initiatives were started to introduce medically assisted reproduction in developing countries. Infertility is a major problem in these countries and causes extensive social and psychological suffering. This article analyses the main ethical arguments pro and contra the provision of infertility treatment in resource-poor countries. It is concluded that infertility treatment should be part of an integrated reproductive care programme including family planning and motherhood care. Education, empowerment of women and economic prosperity are the most effective solutions to most problems related to both population growth and infertility. Simultaneously, investments in low-cost interventions are justified.
Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. guido.pennings@ugent.be
Pennings
G
G
de Wert
G
G
Shenfield
F
F
Cohen
J
J
Tarlatzis
B
B
Devroey
P
P
D003906:Developing Countries; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000941:ethics; D005260:Female; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000941:ethics; D011158:Population Growth; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics*