Population’s Attitude in the Republic of Belarus to the Use of in Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

Purpose. To identify the attitude and stereotypical perception of the population about the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the Republic of Belarus. Material and methods. A sociological survey of a representative republican sample, which consisted of 1805 respondents (851 (47%) men, 954 (53%) women) aged 18 to 65 years, was performed. Results. In general, there is a positive attitude on the part of society towards reproductive technologies (21.6% of respondents claimed absolutely positive attitude and 30.2% had rather positive attitude to IVF; a neutral attitude was revealed in 37.1% of respondents). Some of the population retain stereotypes associated with varying degrees of influence of reproductive technologies on the psychophysical health of children (about 34%). Conclusion. A system of measures is needed to improve the preparation of married couples with an established diagnosis of infertility and the ineffectiveness of other treatment methods for artificial conception. This approach will minimize the number of failed IVF cycles and reduce the risk of complications for the mother and child. The effective use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with positive outcomes in overcoming infertility will contribute to the formation of a positive attitude towards reproductive technologies on the part of society.