By P Mohan Chandran
In a world where dreams are sold and hope is a currency, is it any wonder that the pursuit of parenthood has become a booming industry? When the intimate act of creating life intersects with the cold mechanics of commerce, what emerges is a tale of desire, desperation, and dollars.
In the serene landscapes of Denmark, nearly one in ten babies owe their existence to IVF, the highest proportion globally. Meanwhile, Israel, with its unique cultural and political landscape, leads in the average number of IVF cycles per woman. But why this surge in assisted reproductive technology? For Denmark, it's a testament to their unwavering support for women's and family rights. Israel's generosity, on the other hand, promises almost endless IVF attempts until two children are brought home.
Yet, the stark reality remains: IVF is a luxury many can't afford. In lower-income nations, a single IVF cycle can cost up to 200% of an individual's annual income. The cruel irony? The very women IVF was designed to help, those with blocked Fallopian tubes often resulting from infections, are the ones least likely to access it.
In the US, the land of dreams, IVF remains a distant dream for many. With a single cycle costing a staggering $20,000, it's no surprise that for every American woman undergoing IVF, four more might be silently yearning for it. Yet, the winds of change are blowing. More states are mandating insurance coverage for IVF, and corporate giants like Walmart are offering fertility benefits.
The high costs have given rise to a new trend: IVF tourism. Countries like the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Thailand are becoming hotspots for hopeful parents, not just for their more relaxed regulations but also for their affordability.
But at the heart of this industry lies a potent emotion: hope. Clinics, understanding the desperation of their clientele, often market this very emotion. "Bringing hope to life," proclaims Columbia Fertility Associates. But hope, as they say, comes at a price. And in the world of IVF, this often means add-ons, many of which lack proven success.
Enter the world of "reprotech" start-ups. With celebrity backers like Amy Schumer and Justin Bieber, these companies promise innovations, from AI-selected sperm to improved hormone injections. Yet, as one veteran fertility doctor pointedly remarked, most of these cater to those who can already afford IVF.
David Sable, a venture capitalist with a background in reproductive endocrinology, envisions a future where IVF births skyrocket from 64,000 per month to over a million. Companies like Conceivable Life Sciences aim to slash costs by up to 70% in the US, banking on automation and a shift from high-paid fertility doctors to local gynecologists.
But as the industry thrives, a pressing question remains: Who truly benefits from this boom? Is it the hopeful parents, the investors, or the entrepreneurs? And as politicians step into the arena, driven by concerns of aging populations or voter demands, will the focus remain on profit or shift to accessibility?
In the end, as the lines between hope and commerce blur, one must ask: At what cost do we chase our dreams? And in this intricate dance of life, love, and lucre, who truly leads?
Do you agree that many couples cannot afford IVF?
A. Yes, IVF is too expensive & has become a BIG business.
B. No, anyone can access IVF easily these days.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
24072023
Comments