Statement on Support of In Vitro Fertilization

Developed by: Committee on Obstetric Anesthesia
Original Approval: October 23, 2024

Infertility affects 16.3% of women in the United States¹ and roughly 1 in 6 worldwide.² Metabolic, hormonal, and structural issues all contribute to this condition. As a greater proportion of the United States population has delayed child-bearing,³ infertility has increased in prevalence. In fact, 12.2% of women 15-49 years old have used infertility services in the United States.¹ Infertility can lead to significant emotional distress and disruption to daily life for the patient and their loved ones. The decision about how to proceed when confronted with this diagnosis is a very personal one. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one option for the management of infertility. Anesthesiologists frequently provide anesthesia care for patients undergoing IVF procedures. Recently, some external entities have proposed policies that could significantly impact both patients undergoing IVF and the health care providers caring for them. 

The following patient care management principles are fundamental when considering care for patients receiving IVF procedures for treatment of their infertility: 

1. A trusted physician-patient relationship is essential in providing care for infertility. Shared decision-making regarding treatment, including anesthesia care when IVF has been chosen, should involve the patient and their physicians without interference from outside entities.
2. Each patient undergoing IVF procedures should have access to safe anesthesia care from anesthesia professionals.
3. The safety of patients and health care personnel participating in IVF procedures is paramount.
4. The values of patients and health care providers are to be respected. No anesthesia professional should be asked to participate in IVF procedures if participation is not congruent with their values, while anesthesia professionals willing to provide anesthesia care for patients choosing IVF should be available to care for these patients.

References:

1. Statistics NCfH: Infertility. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023
2. World Health Organization: 1 in 6 people globablly affected by infertility. https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility, World Health Organization, 2023
3. Osterman MJK, Hamilton BE, Martin JA, Driscoll AK, Valenzuela CP: Births: Final Data for 2022. Natl Vital Stat Rep 2024; 73: 1-56