Infertility policy analysis: a comparative study of selected lower middle- middle- and high-income countries

• Main Authors: Bahar Morshed-Behbahani, Minoor Lamyian, Hassan Joulaei, Batool Hossein Rashidi, Ali Montazeri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-10-01
• Series: Globalization and Health
• Subjects: Policy analysis; Infertility care; Universal health coverage
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12992-020-00617-9

Abstract Background Infertility has recently become a salient but neglected global issue. Policies to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are vital, especially in lower middle and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the national infertility policies in the selected countries (LMICs comparing with high-income) to determine gaps or to confirm desirable policies in the given health systems. Methods This study has executed a comparative policy analysis of infertility services using the universal health coverage framework (financial protection, population coverage, and service features) in three scopes (prevention, treatment, and supportive care). Seven countries that had infertility programs in their health sectors were selected. Results The results showed that financial protection was good in high and middle-income countries, but in a lower middle income, and in one high-income country was poor. The findings also showed that health systems in the same countries had no infertility services for men. Preventive and supportive care services were neglected in LMICs by governments. Conclusion The findings indicate that income is not the only factor that fulfills universal health coverage for infertility care services. Perhaps to achieve equity in infertility care services, it should be seen as a universal human right to accomplish the right to have a child and to have a life with physical and mental health for all men and women.