Infertility, health and families

Sir, – “Why do religious people tend to have more children? Because they value different things” (Breda O’Brien, Opinion & Analysis, February 15th) does not address the much-documented struggle that many people face when trying to have a family, whether it is their first, second or third child, etc. Certainly it is nothing to do with their religious status or practice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a paper in May 2024 in relation to infertility, its causes and what can be done to address them, noting that “health policies need to recognise that infertility is a disease that can often be prevented” and that government plays a key role here using various policy and programmes as interventions. The WHO also points out that one in six people worldwide experience infertility and this aligns with the HSE figures here, showing the urgent need to increase access to publicly funded, high-quality fertility care for all. Importantly, the WHO figures show little difference between regions on a worldwide basis and notes that “rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally”.

Until 2024, Ireland had one of the lowest ratings of fertility policy in Europe and historically has been a reticent and isolated place for anyone on their fertility journey. With the introduction of limited publicly funded IVF and the passing of the assisted human reproduction (AHR) legislation, improvements are coming but at a slow pace. For those who are waiting for access to public treatment or for the legislation to come in effect, this is an agonising time. I would therefore suggest that we use our compassion and thoughtful attitudes toward supporting those on whatever stage of their journey they may be at, and call for equal and accessible treatment for all who want to start or continue a family in Ireland in 2025. – Yours, etc,

CAITRÍONA FITZPATRICK,

Chairperson,