Infertility quietly persists as one of the most neglected aspects of modern healthcare. Around the world, an estimated 186 million people live with infertility, and India accounts for a major share of this global figure.
Dr Sheetal Jindal-MBBS, MD OBG, EPHM (IIM Kolkata) Senior consultant and medical director_Director Medical Genetics program, Jindal Ivf Chandigarh (Source: prhandout)
According to reports from respected institutions such as AIIMS, between twelve and eighteen million Indian couples face infertility every year. Yet only a small fraction—barely one per cent—seek medical help. This stark gap is shaped by long-standing cultural taboos, misinformation and the stubborn belief that assisted reproductive technologies like IVF are exclusive services meant only for the wealthy. In reality, IVF carries far-reaching importance beyond simply helping couples have children. It directly connects to matters of genetic health, public healthcare policy and emotional well-being, making it essential to rethink its status within mainstream medical services.
Infertility is not something people choose. It is a medically recognised condition that affects both men and women. Male factors account for nearly half of all infertility cases, an often-overlooked reality that challenges outdated assumptions. India’s infertility crisis continues to worsen due to limited awareness and a lack of access to diagnosis and treatment. The burden is not merely physical. Infertility causes emotional strain, psychological distress and immense social pressure, especially in cultures where parenthood defines individual and familial roles. Continuing to treat infertility as a non-essential concern leaves millions in silent struggle. IVF, supported by decades of medical research, is a reliable and effective treatment option and should be seen as part of standard healthcare rather than an exclusive privilege.
India faces a pressing challenge that receives far less attention than it should. Between fifty and one hundred million people in the country are estimated to be affected by rare genetic disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia and Fragile X syndrome. These conditions have lasting impacts on individuals and strain public health systems. IVF paired with Preimplantation Genetic Testing offers a way to reduce these risks. Techniques such as PGT-M for detecting single-gene disorders, PGT-A for spotting chromosomal abnormalities and PGT-SR for structural changes allow embryos to be screened before implantation. This not only improves a child’s chances of leading a healthy life but also reduces long-term healthcare burdens. Making these technologies widely accessible should not depend on wealth or social privilege. They must be viewed as part of routine medical care, particularly in countries like India, where genetic risks are compounded by consanguineous marriages and limited genetic screening.
The biggest barrier to treating infertility as healthcare is not technological but cultural. Stigma and silence surround infertility in many societies, particularly where parenthood defines social acceptance. As a result, millions do not seek help when it could make a difference. Changing this requires more than just offering services; it demands proactive public policies, insurance coverage and widespread awareness efforts that normalise IVF as part of everyday healthcare. Just as cardiac care or diabetes management is accepted as standard medical treatment, reproductive healthcare needs the same standing. Ensuring that IVF is treated as a healthcare priority rather than a privilege is not just about expanding medical access. It is about changing deeply held social perceptions and guaranteeing every individual’s right to build a family.
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