Oral

This session focuses on the growing interest in assisted reproductive technologies to treat infertility worldwide and the range of social, policy and programmatic challenges associated with ART. One paper presents cross country case studies to address the complex policy landscape of ART in Europe. The paper addresses regulation, funding and access to services, health impact and safety, economic considerations and socio-cultural perspectives on fertility. A second paper addresses the issues facing IVF programs related to lost-to-follow-up and embryo abandonment. The paper highlights the types of problems faced by programs and suggested public health policy approaches for this growing issue.

Session Objectives: • Articulate the state of ART treatment in the EU. • Identify key public health and policy issues surrounding use of ART and potential policy directions to guide the appropriate use and regulation of ART. • Describe the issues related to lost-to-follow-up in IVF programs and the challenges related to this issue.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing