Mahmoud Salama1,2, Vladimir Isachenko3, Evgenia Isachenko3, Gohar Rahimi3, Peter Mallmann3, Lynn M Westphal4, Marcia C Inhorn5, Pasquale Patrizio6. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener St. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany. eaims_gm@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Reproductive Medicine, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. eaims_gm@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener St. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany. 4. Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. 5. Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. 6. Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Many people travel abroad to access fertility treatments. This growing phenomenon is known as cross border reproductive care (CBRC) or fertility tourism. Due to its complex nature and implications worldwide, CBRC has become an emerging dilemma deserving more attention on the global healthcare agenda. METHODS: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in PubMed in English during the past 18 years to explore CBRC phenomenon in the new millennium. RESULTS: Little is known about the accurate magnitude and scope of CBRC around the globe. In this systematic and critical review, we identify three major dimensions of CBRC: legal, economic, and ethical. We analyze each of these dimensions from clinical and practical perspectives. CONCLUSION: CBRC is a growing reality worldwide with potential benefits and risks. Therefore, it is very crucial to regulate the global market of CBRC on legal, economic, and ethical bases in order to increase harmonization and reduce any forms of exploitation. Establishment of accurate international statistics and a global registry will help diminish the current information gap surrounding the CBRC phenomenon.
PURPOSE: Many people travel abroad to access fertility treatments. This growing phenomenon is known as cross border reproductive care (CBRC) or fertility tourism. Due to its complex nature and implications worldwide, CBRC has become an emerging dilemma deserving more attention on the global healthcare agenda. METHODS: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in PubMed in English during the past 18 years to explore CBRC phenomenon in the new millennium. RESULTS: Little is known about the accurate magnitude and scope of CBRC around the globe. In this systematic and critical review, we identify three major dimensions of CBRC: legal, economic, and ethical. We analyze each of these dimensions from clinical and practical perspectives. CONCLUSION: CBRC is a growing reality worldwide with potential benefits and risks. Therefore, it is very crucial to regulate the global market of CBRC on legal, economic, and ethical bases in order to increase harmonization and reduce any forms of exploitation. Establishment of accurate international statistics and a global registry will help diminish the current information gap surrounding the CBRC phenomenon.
Authors: G Pennings; J de Mouzon; F Shenfield; A P Ferraretti; T Mardesic; A Ruiz; V Goossens Journal: Hum Reprod Date: 2014-03-13 Impact factor: 6.918
Authors: J Altmann; J Kummer; F Herse; L Hellmeyer; D Schlembach; W Henrich; A Weichert Journal: Arch Gynecol Obstet Date: 2021-10-04 Impact factor: 2.493
Authors: Lidia Bueno-Sánchez; Tamara Alhambra-Borrás; Alfonso Gallego-Valadés; Jorge Garcés-Ferrer Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-14 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Kjersti Westvik-Johari; Liv Bente Romundstad; Deborah A Lawlor; Christina Bergh; Mika Gissler; Anna-Karina A Henningsen; Siri E Håberg; Ulla-Britt Wennerholm; Aila Tiitinen; Anja Pinborg; Signe Opdahl Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2021-06-25 Impact factor: 11.069