David Adamson, MD, founder and CEO, ARC^® Fertility, a highly experienced national provider of innovative fertility and family-forming benefits for self-insured employers and their employees, is first co-author of a leading-edge study titled, "Declining global fertility rates and the implications for family planning and family building: an IFFS consensus document based on a narrative review of the literature." Published in Human Reproduction Update, the findings address the critical issues surrounding declining fertility rates and their profound societal implications.

"A pivotal exploration of the evolving dynamics of fertility globally, this research paper emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of family building and underscores the importance of accessible fertility care," says Dr. Adamson. “As a leader in reproductive health, ARC Fertility is committed to addressing these challenges for employers and healthcare decision-makers and advocating for family-friendly policies worldwide.”

Authored by international leaders in fertility research, the study highlights the evolving landscape of global fertility. The research underscores a shift in focus from family-planning policies aimed at avoiding unintended pregnancies to those that optimize chances of having a child when desired. The study notes that half of the countries worldwide exhibit fertility rates below replacement levels, leading to demographic changes with far-reaching consequences.

Key Findings:

1. Disparities in Access to Fertility Care: The study marks the first attempt by the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) to describe major disparities in access to fertility care in the context of decreasing world population growth. The narrative review of existing literature reveals significant variations in public spending on child benefits and the implementation of child-friendly policies worldwide.
2. Concept of Family Building: The study introduces the concept of family building, emphasizing diverse methods and options for individuals or couples who wish to have children. Family building encompasses biological means, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), surrogacy, adoption, and foster care. The research calls for increased awareness and education programs to prevent infertility among young adults.
3. Improvements in Fertility Care: The study highlights major advances in fertility care since the 1990s, significantly improving family-building opportunities. However, it points out substantial variations in access to care globally, with the high-cost rendering infertility treatment unaffordable for many.

The full report is available through Oxford University Press, with prestigious authors that include Bart C.J.M. Fauser, Jacky Boivin, Georgina M. Chambers, Christian de Geyter, Silke Dyer, Marcia C. Inhorn, Lone Schmidt, Gamal I. Serour, Basil Tarlatzis, and Fernando Zegers-Hochschild.

About ARC^® Fertility

ARC^® Fertility was founded in 1997 from its founder’s passion to increase access to affordable, high-quality reproductive care for everyone. We are accomplishing our mission through our national network of top-tier fertility clinics and with the help of brokers and employers. ARC physicians deliver high-value fertility and family-forming employer benefits through evidence-based treatment packages and financing directly to patients. ARC Fertility has helped tens of thousands of people create the family of their dreams. https://www.arcfertility.com/

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