The B2-InF project has produced a policy brief document that summarizes its key findings and recommendations. This document is a valuable resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in improving the quality of information and services related to infertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction. It provides a concise overview of the project’s research and includes a set of actionable recommendations for improving access to information and care. The policy brief is available for download on the B2-InF project website, along with other resources and information related to the project.
Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide and can seriously impact their quality of life. Unfortunately, general knowledge about infertility and its treatments is scarce, and the information provided is not always properly communicated. This is where the B2-InF project comes in. Funded by the European Union, the project explores young people’s perceptions and experiences with infertility and its treatments, and the information provided by Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) clinics across 8 European countries. The project has generated valuable knowledge and recommendations to bridge the gap between the public’s concerns and expectations about fertility care and the information and services offered by clinics.
The B2-InF project has found that young Europeans have positive perceptions of MAR treatments, but they express concerns about gender roles, inequalities of access to MAR treatments, and the reliability of information provided by private clinics. Clinics’ websites often present an excess of technical and scientific terms without plain language interpretations, making it difficult for the general population to understand. Furthermore, the information about success rates and risks is not always available or is presented in an unspecific or unclear way.
To address these concerns and improve the information provided by clinics and health authorities, B2-InF has provided specific recommendations. These include creating gender-balanced, gender-neutral, and ethnically diverse information, using clear and accessible language, providing evidence-based data sources, and disclosing live-birth rates, possible health risks, and psychological challenges. The project also suggests promoting accessibility to information sheets and informed consent forms.
Overall, there is room for improvement in the information provided by MAR clinics and health authorities about infertility and its treatments. The guidelines produced by B2-InF can help promote better knowledge, reduce stigmatization, and provide reliable, intelligible, and clear information for the general public and patients to make well-informed choices. To learn more about the B2-InF project and its recommendations, visit the project’s website.
Download: https://zenodo.org/record/7981692