Infertility care in India: High costs, limited public access, and policy gaps
Infertility affects 10-15% of adults in India, yet it remains a neglected public health issue with minimal government policies or services. The sector is heavily privatized, making advanced treatments like IVF prohibitively expensive for many, with costs ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple cycles. Limited insurance coverage forces individuals to fund treatments out-of-pocket, leading to significant financial and emotional strain. Experts argue that reproductive autonomy, enshrined under Article 21, should encompass infertility care, not just contraception and abortion, highlighting a critical disconnect between constitutional promises and healthcare realities.
Key Points
- Infertility impacts 10-15% of Indian adults but is largely ignored as a public health issue.
- The fertility treatment sector is dominated by private players, with high costs and negligible public health services.
- IVF treatments are expensive, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple attempts.
- Limited insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses create significant financial burdens for couples.
- Experts advocate for infertility care to be included under reproductive autonomy, aligning with Article 21 of the Constitution.
Exam Facts
- India's infertility rate: 10-15% (Union Health Ministry estimate).
- India's total fertility rate: fallen from 3.4 (early 1990s) to 2.0 (today) (World Bank, NFHS-5).
- ART clinics in India: Approximately 3,879 registered.
- Constitutional provision: Article 21 (Right to life, including dignity, healthcare, reproductive choice).
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