Beliefs, attitudes and funding of assisted reproductive technology: Public perception of over 6,000 respondents from 6 European countries

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211150
• Publication Date: 2019-01-25T13:32:33Z
• Authors: Bart C. J. M. Fauser; Jacky Boivin; Pedro N. Barri; Basil C. Tarlatzis; Lone Schmidt; Rachel Levy-Toledano
• Keywords: Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background Fertility rates in Europe are among the lowest world, which may be attributed to both biological and lifestyle factors. Cost reimbursement of fertility treatments vary across Europe, although its citizens enjoy wide access care. Since few regional studies evaluating public support for treatment exist, we conducted Listening IVF (LIFE) survey ascertain perception vitro fertilization (IVF) gamete donation as a infertility European men women. Methods findings This was distributed via an online questionnaire 8,682 individuals who were voluntary participants research panel residing France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, or UK. The covered items determine respondents' beliefs regarding success, need funding, use modern families with different lifestyles, donation. Results analyzed by age, country origin, sex, sexual orientation. A total 6,110 (70% total) women responded. Among all respondents, 10% had undergone 48% considered would consider case infertility. Respondents estimated mean success rate 47% over half respondents believed that availability encourage people delay conception. Although 93% should publicly funded some extent, majority secondary allowing parenthood financed privately. Survey number stimulated cycles limited 2 3 (average 2.4). 79% willing pay if needed amount 5,400 € child brought life through IVF. According minimum maximum ages 29 42 years old, respectively. current showed egg sperm (78%), single (61%) same-sex female couples (64%). When analyzing results per group (i.e., orientation, countries), youngest age groups, homosexuals, bisexuals, German similar overall positive attitudes toward opinions on funding. Perceived limits stronger Conclusion Overall, demonstrate attitude IVF, donation, funding treatment. These could potentially drive discussions between patients prescribers explore legislators payers these procedures.