What is fertility equity, and why is it so important?

Written in association with: Dr Anu Chawla
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article here below, highly experienced and regarded senior fertility specialist, Dr Anu Chawla, discusses the concept of fertility equity, including why it is so vital in today’s society.

What is fertility equity?

Fertility equity, in today's world, stands as a pivotal issue that touches upon individual rights, societal progress, and global sustainability. It's a concept that advocates for equal access to reproductive healthcare, regardless of socio-economic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or geographical location.

 

In a world where diversity is celebrated, fertility equity ensures that individuals and couples have the same opportunities to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It recognises that the ability to plan and space pregnancies is not only a matter of personal autonomy but also a cornerstone of women's empowerment.

 

Why is fertility equity so important?

When women have control over their reproductive choices, they are more likely to pursue education, career aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to society. Moreover, fertility equity is intertwined with broader issues of economic and social justice.

 

Inequitable access to fertility treatments and family planning resources exacerbates existing disparities in health outcomes and economic well-being. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits the potential of marginalised communities. By promoting fertility equity, we foster a society where everyone, regardless of background, can pursue their dreams without the constraints of reproductive inequalities.

 

On a global scale, what impact does fertility equity have?

On a global scale, fertility equity holds the key to addressing population dynamics and environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, responsible family planning becomes an imperative.

 

Ensuring that every person has access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare empowers individuals to make choices that are not only in their best interest but also in the interest of the planet. Furthermore, fertility equity acknowledges the diverse paths to parenthood that individuals and couples may pursue. It recognises the experiences of those who face infertility and the unique challenges they encounter.

 

By providing equitable access to fertility treatments, adoption resources, and support for alternative family-building methods, society embraces a more inclusive and compassionate approach to family planning. In the realm of healthcare, fertility equity underscores the importance of removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the services they need.

 

It calls for policies that guarantee insurance coverage for fertility treatments, comprehensive sex education, and affordable contraception. By prioritizing reproductive health as an essential component of overall well-being, we pave the way for healthier, more empowered communities. In essence, fertility equity is not merely a matter of reproductive rights, but a cornerstone of a just and progressive society.

 

It transcends individual experiences to shape the collective destiny of communities and the world at large. By championing fertility equity, we forge a path towards a future where every person has the opportunity to build the family they desire, in a world that embraces diversity, equality, and sustainability.

 

To consult with Dr Anu Chawla today, simply head over to her Top Doctors profile.

By Dr Anu Chawla
Fertility specialist

Dr Anu Chawla is a highly-experienced senior fertility specialist, practicing Advanced Reproductive Medicine, in London

Her area of expertise is in Advanced Fertility PracticeRepeated IVF failures, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOSEndometriosis (Current Chairperson of Endometriosis Committee of FOGSI), Reproductive Immunology, Egg Freezing, Fibroids, Male Factor Infertility.

Dr Chawla qualified in medicine in Gujarat University in 2007 and then went on to pursue a Master's degree in obstetrics and gynaecology.  She became a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, in due course.  

She also obtained a diplomate of the National Board in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She holds Three Post Graduation Degrees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, one from UK, two from India, from reputable universities. In addition, she did Advanced Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery and another Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine.

She trained in Advanced Level 3D Pelvic Ultrasounds with Prof Stuart Campbell, in London.

She went to the United States to do a Reproductive Medicine Observership Programme at National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Shady Grove Fertility Clinics in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and in IVF Department at the EVMS Jones Institute in Virginia, USA, Centre of Reproductive Medicine New York, New Hope Fertility Centre New York.  

Dr Chawla has been previously appointed as a clinical lead consultant in Advanced Fertility Department at various leading teams in India, where she also founded the esteemed IVF department at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute at Gurgaon in Delhi Region.

Her high success rate and clinical excellence in Fertility Practice, with global expertise and perspective, brought her an offer to come back to London and join St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Queen Mary University, London Hospital as a Senior Fertility Specialist, where she did huge numbers of egg collections, embryo transfers etc.

She worked at Create Fertility, St. Paul’s, London and The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy, London.

Combining clinical expertise in both gynaecological Fertility Enhancing Surgery and Reproductive Medicine, Dr Chawla's patients benefit from her sensitive, comprehensive and continuous care throughout their conception journey. 

Dr Anu Chawla's has been actively contributing to the various gynaecology associations, like Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RCOG, London, The International Federation of OBGYN, FIGO, and the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies in India (FOGSI), amongst others.  

Dr Chawla is a regular invited faculty speaker, at various international and academic key fertility and OBGYN conferences around the world. Most recently, she was invited to chair a film festival session on the topic of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Wellbeing at the XXIV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics. She was additionally actively involved in campaigning to extend the time span of egg freezing for women in the UK, an amendment which has now been successfully enacted in to law. Dr Chawla also regularly conducts charitable medical projects in India, providing low cost reproductive and gynaecological care for those in need.

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