Access to infertility care and ART treatment in India: A clinician's perspective

Infertility is a worldwide problem that is increasing with time. The cause of infertility can be due to either male or female factors or both. The food, environmental, occupational and psychological factors do contribute to infertility. The infertility and the present scenario of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in India with regard to the clinics, clinicians and regulatory mechanisms in vogue are discussed. The potential of India as a reproductive tourist destination and surrogacy issues is included. The social, economic, and family problems arising as a consequence of infer-tility are discussed. The status of ART in India is getting improved and the gap between the West and India is expected to be mini-mized with the influence of regulatory mechanisms introduced through ART Act in India. The salient features that have a bearing on the infertility treatment outcomes, which are being neglected, or recent findings of research are included with special reference to possible future developments in the field of ART.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Infertility is a global problem that is worsening over time. It can be caused by male, female, or combined factors. Various factors such as diet, environment, occupation, and psychology contribute to infertility. The article discusses the current situation of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in India, including clinics, clinicians, and regulatory mechanisms. It also addresses India's potential as a reproductive tourist destination and surrogacy issues. The social, economic, and family problems resulting from infertility are discussed. The ART status in India is improving, and the influence of regulatory mechanisms introduced through the ART Act is expected to narrow the gap between India and the West. The article also includes neglected factors and recent research findings that have an impact on infertility treatment outcomes, with a focus on possible future developments in the field of ART.