Skip to main content

Disparities Seen in Geographic Access to Fertility Preservation

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Aug. 15, 2023 -- More than 3 million reproductive-age females lack geographic access to centers capable of offering fertility preservation (FP) services, according to a study published online Aug. 10 in JAMA Oncology.

Benjamin J. Peipert, M.D., from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, and colleagues examined the geographic distribution of U.S. centers offering FP services to identify disparities in access to oncofertility care. Analysis included 456 centers reporting data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2018 Fertility Clinic Success Rates Report.

The researchers found that 3.63 million reproductive-age female individuals (5.70 percent) lack geographic access to an oncofertility center. Highest geographic access rates were seen in states with FP mandates (98.54 percent), while states without active or pending legislation have the lowest rates (79.57 percent). The Mountain West and West North Central regions had the greatest concentration of disparities in geographic access.

"Fertility preservation is a critical part of comprehensive cancer and survivorship care. However, significant barriers exist to effective oncofertility care," the authors write. "The demand for oncofertility services will continue to grow in the coming years, and the supply of clinicians, laboratory facilities, and clinics will need to grow to match this expansion."

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted August 2023

Read this next

ASCO: Survivors of Early Breast Cancer Can Successfully Attempt Pregnancy

THURSDAY, May 23, 2024 -- Most survivors of stage 0 to III breast cancer who attempt pregnancy postdiagnosis are able to become pregnant and have a live birth, according to a...

Infertility Treatment Linked to Heart Disease Hospitalization

TUESDAY, May 21, 2024 -- Infertility treatment is associated with an increased risk for hospitalization due to heart disease, according to a study published in the May issue of...

Overall Cancer Risk Not Increased for Children Born After Assisted Reproduction

FRIDAY, May 3, 2024 -- The overall risk for cancer is not increased for children born after medically assisted reproduction (MAR), according to a study published online May 2 in...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.