The stigma of childlessness is a bigger threat than COVID-19 in India: An observational study of couples seeking fertility treatment amidst the pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To understand the thought processes, motivations and pressures responsible for the footfall of couples in an ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) center in urban India during the peak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) pandemic. Design: Observational study.Setting: ART center at a teaching hospital. Patient(s): Fifty couples who visited the ART department at our hospital in urban India between July to August 2020 during the lockdown with the purpose of seeking treatment. Intervention(s): NoneMain Outcome Measure(s): Reason for seeking ART amidst the pandemic.Result(s): The commonest reason for seeking ART for these couples amidst the pandemic was stress and / or anxiety (68%), followed by social pressure from family members and friends (46%). Only 12% reported to the center due to advanced female age or due to factor(s) that could worsen if not provided with immediate ART options.Conclusion(s): ART cycles that are driven through social pressure in the face of an earth shaking pandemic is a wakeup call for India that requires radical reform.