Awareness and perception of in vitro fertilization as an infertility treatment method among Polish women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) as an infertility therapy remains controversial, although it has been available for more than four decades, with more than five million people estimated to have received the treatment worldwide. In Poland, the legitimacy and acceptability of in vitro fertilization (IVF) are still debated in the public and political realms, with NaProTechnology being the recommended publicly funded method of infertility treatment. Aim of the study: This paper presents the current perceptions and opinions of Polish women of reproductive age on infertility treatment, with particular reference to IVF. Material and methods: The study used an original questionnaire to survey 226 women aged 18-49 on their knowledge and attitudes toward IVF. Results: A high level of knowledge concerning IVF as a method of infertility treatment was demonstrated by 19.9% of respondents. Most women interviewed (65%) had a positive attitude toward IVF, 4.6% would use IVF regardless of the cost, and 12.4% would never use IVF. Only 5.8% of respondents thought that access to infertility treatment is guaranteed in Poland. Conclusions: This is the first study conducted in Poland in which participants professed that their Catholic faith did not influence their lack of acceptance of IVF. Most respondents held the opinion that access to infertility treatment is not guaranteed in Poland. Given the increasing scale of the infertility problem, detailed monitoring of attitudes and acceptance of IVF is needed to support those in Poland struggling with the condition.