Putting reproductive rights into practice. The profile of the demand in a publicly sponsored ART program for single or female partner women in Catalonia

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the size and characteristics of the demand for a newly established, publicly sponsored, program of assisted reproduction for single women (SW) and women with a female partner (FP) in a European country.

Materials and methods

We analysed the application forms received during the first two years and structured interviews with 300 successive non selected applicants

Results

The mean sustained size of the demand was of 52.6 applications per month (sd 14) and corresponded to 0.06 % of the target population. Data from 237 applicants was evaluable. 119 (50.2 %) were SW and 118 (49.8 %) were FP. The median age was 36 years, 36.5 years for SW and 34 years for FP (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). Clinically 18.6 % of women presented irregular cycles, and 17.8 % of women had undergone hysterosalpingography (HSG), with a 14.3% prevalence of tubal dysfunction.

Conclusions

A publicly sponsored program for Assisted Reproduction for SWFP should establish clear inclusion criteria, especially as regards to age, ovarian reserve, techniques offered, and the number of cycles to obtain the maximal efficiency. Further research specific for this group is required to ensure that they receive adequate care and ultimately to fulfil their reproductive rights.

摘要

目的：评估欧洲国家对新建立的、公共资助的、针对单身女性（SW）和同性伴侣女性（FP）的辅助生殖计划的需求规模和特点。

材料和方法：本研究分析了前两年间收到的申请表, 并对300名连续未入选的申请人进行了结构化访谈。

结果：平均每月申请量为52.6份 (sd 14), 相当于目标人群的0.06 %。来自237名申请人的数据是可进行评估的。119人(50.2 %)为SW, 118人(49.8 %)为FP。中位年龄为36岁, SW为36.5岁, FP为34岁(p<0.001, Mann-Whitney)。临床上, 18.6 %的女性出现月经周期不规律, 17.8 %的女性进行了子宫输卵管造影(HSG), 输卵管功能障碍的患病率为14.3%。

结论：一个公共资助的SWFP辅助生殖项目应该建立明确的纳入标准, 特别是关于年龄、卵巢储备功能、可提供的技术和获得最大疗效的周期数。需要针对这一群体开展进一步的研究, 以确保他们得到充分的关照, 并最终实现他们的生育权利。

Keywords:

• Reproductive rights
• Women with female partner
• single women
• publicly funded assisted reproductive therapy
• tubal dysfunction
• age
• Europe

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.