WHO Calls for Improved, Global Access to Fertility Care.<br />The World Health Organization (WHO) has <br />released new findings that suggest one in six <br />people around the world are infertile.<br />BBC reports that the rate of fertility <br />varies little across high-, middle- <br />and low-income countries.<br />According to the WHO report, 17.8% of adults are affected <br />by infertility in high-income countries, while low <br />and middle-income countries have a rate of 16.5%.<br />According to the WHO report, 17.8% of adults are affected <br />by infertility in high-income countries, while low <br />and middle-income countries have a rate of 16.5%.<br />The report reveals an important truth <br />- infertility does not discriminate, Dr Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of WHO, via BBC.<br />The WHO defines infertility as the inability <br />to achieve pregnancy after at least <br />12 months of regular unprotected sex.<br />In response to the report's findings, <br />the WHO has called for better <br />global access to fertility care.<br />The sheer proportion of people affected <br />shows the need to widen access to fertility <br />care and ensure this issue is no longer <br />sidelined in health research and policy, <br />so that safe, effective and affordable <br />ways to attain parenthood are <br />available for those who seek it, Dr Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of WHO, via BBC.<br />According to the WHO, in most countries, <br />fertility treatments are paid for by individuals, <br />which can result in financial hardships. .<br />The report also found that people in poorer countries <br />are forced to spend a higher percentage of their income <br />on fertility care compared to wealthier nations.<br />BBC reports that the high cost of fertility care <br />is just one factor that prevents people from accessing <br />treatment and ultimately being able to conceive.
