“India’s fertility decline and rising demand for assisted reproductive services present both a health challenge and a policy opportunity.” Discuss.

Overview

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India is now below the replacement level at 2.0. Concurrently, the World Health Organization has reported a significant increase in the demand for fertility treatments, indicating a health-policy necessity as well as a demographic concern.

Dimensions of Public Health

The environment, health issues, delayed weddings, and changes in lifestyle are all contributing to the rise in infertility in India. However, access is still uneven because therapy is still primarily urban-centric and costly. The industry is dominated by private clinics, and there is little public health infrastructure for fertility services. Couples—especially women—face financial hardship, mental strain, and societal humiliation as a result.

Safeguards, standardized practices, and regulated clinics were implemented under the ART Act (2021) and Surrogacy Act (2021). However, problems including exorbitant prices, a dearth of counseling services, and service gaps in rural areas are still unsolved. Equitable access can be promoted by incorporating infertility care into Ayushman Bharat and district hospitals.

Policy and Demographic Opportunities

While lowering fertility lessens the strain on the environment and resources, persistent low fertility can result in labor shortages, an aging population, and social security costs—problems that are already evident in East Asia. Therefore, India needs to take a balanced approach, improving long-term demographic planning while assisting couples seeking fertility treatment.

In conclusion

A significant change in public health is reflected in India’s declining fertility and growing need for reproductive aid. India has a significant chance to improve social fairness and health systems by guaranteeing accessible, controlled, and inclusive fertility treatment while maintaining population stability.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma