In a notable societal shift, an increasing number of Americans are becoming intimately familiar with fertility treatments. Whether through their own experiences or through close connections, a growing share of the population is entering the world of assisted reproduction.
This change is underscored by recent findings from the PEW Research Center, where a substantial 42% of surveyed adults reported personal involvement with fertility treatments or an acquaintance who has embarked on this path. This figure represents a significant uptick from the 33% reported just five years prior.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND TREATMENTS
Unveiling the diversity of this phenomenon, data reveals disparities across ethnic groups. Asian and White adults are at the forefront, with 45% of Asian adults acknowledging their own experiences or connections to treatments. This contrasts with 26% among Black adults and 33% among Hispanic adults.
A noteworthy gender divide emerges, with women (47%) surpassing men (37%) in their likelihood to have undergone treatments themselves or encountered someone who has.
Financial Hurdles
Economic considerations play a pivotal role, as individuals with higher incomes are considerably more likely to be acquainted with fertility treatments. The costliness of these procedures, often not covered by insurance, contributes to this pattern. For instance, the price tag for a single cycle of in vitro fertilization typically ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.
TYPES OF FERTILITY SERVICES FOR WOMEN
Shifting the focus to women’s personal experiences, insights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide a closer look at the types of fertility services they have undergone.
Age significantly influences participation, with women aged 35 to 44 emerging as the demographic most likely to have used fertility services, with 18% reporting such experiences, compared to 7% among those younger than 35.
Educational attainment also emerges as a crucial factor. Women with a bachelor’s degree or higher are more likely to have used fertility services (15%) compared to those with less education (9%).
A SPECTRUM OF SERVICES
Within the realm of fertility services, fertility advice ranks as the most commonly utilized, with 78% reporting its utilization. Following closely is fertility testing for themselves or their partners (61%), and 43% report using drugs to enhance ovulation. More invasive procedures, such as surgery for tube blockages, endometriosis, or fibroids (11%), artificial insemination (14%), and in vitro fertilization (2%), are less frequently chosen options.
SHOULD HEALTH INSURANCE COVER TREATMENTS?
In the ongoing debate on whether health insurance should encompass fertility treatments, a majority of Americans (61%) express their support, according to the Pew Research Center. Conversely, 14% oppose such coverage, and 25% remain uncertain.
Support for health insurance covering fertility treatments is generally widespread, but women (64%) exhibit slightly stronger backing than men (57%). Additionally, adults aged 18 to 49 are more inclined to favor insurance coverage for fertility treatments compared to those aged 50 and older.
