title: How long should women persevere with IVF?
abstract: The Israeli public health insurance system covers an (almost) unlimited number of IVF cycles. In a global context, this is a policy which is looked upon as a northern star. However, many women may continue IVF treatment when the probability of a successful pregnancy is 'zero'. This paper argues that the implication of a policy of unlimited rounds of IVF from the perspective of the 'culture of perseverance' that develops in IVF clinics has not yet been fully assessed. A systematic long term assessment of the health and welfare of women after IVF in Israel--especially after prolonged treatment with IVF--is necessary. In a global context, an evidence-based policy on ART may improve both the allocation of resources and the duty of care, not only in Israel, but also in other countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Systems Management, Yezreel Valley College, Israel. fridas@yvc.ac.il
authors.forename: Frida
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Simonstein
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mashiach-Eizenberg
mesh_terms: D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007557:Israel; D018447:Medical Futility; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors