Why in News?
- A recent ICMR–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) study revealed that infertile couples in India face extremely high out-of-pocket expenditure for IVF.
What is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
About
- IVF is a major Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used to treat infertility.
- Process:
- Woman’s eggs are retrieved.
- Eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory.
- The resulting embryo is cultured and then transferred into the uterus.
When is IVF Recommended?
- Blocked / damaged fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count or motility issues
- Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Age-related infertility (declining ovarian reserve)
- Unexplained infertility
- Fertility preservation
- – for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy/radiation
- Repeated miscarriages or failed IUI cycles
Why IVF Matters – India’s Context
- Rising infertility due to:
- High stress & urban lifestyle
- Late marriages
- Hormonal disorders (especially PCOS)
- Obesity and changing dietary habits
- Declining sperm quality
- One in six couples in India experiences infertility.
- With falling fertility rates across states, experts warn that
- lack of affordable reproductive care may affect India’s demographic balance (replacement-level fertility concerns).
Cost of IVF in India
- ₹1 lakh+ per IVF cycle even in government hospitals (ICMR-NIRRCH).
- India’s public health system currently spends:
- ₹6,822 – ₹11,075 per patient per year
- Globally, an ART cycle costs about 166% of the average annual Indian income, making it financially burdensome.
- Most expenses are out-of-pocket, as IVF is not covered comprehensively under health insurance.
Regulation of IVF in India
Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021
- Regulates:
- IVF clinics and ART banks
- Egg and sperm donation
- Embryo handling & cryopreservation
- Qualifications, standards, and ethical practices
- Mandatory registration of all ART clinics.
- Prohibits unethical practices like sex selection, anonymity abuse, or commercial exploitation of donors.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
