Public perceptions of providing IVF services to cancer and HIV patients

Abstract

Objective: To assess the attitudes of the general U.S. population toward the use of IVF to assist adults with a history of cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Design: Cross-sectional survey study.

Setting: Online.

Patient(s): A total of 1,183 adult men and women across the U.S.

Intervention(s): Questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Main outcome measure(s): Attitudes toward IVF for cancer and HIV patients.

Result(s): A total of 82% supported IVF for cancer patients compared with 38% for HIV patients. The most common reasons for support was the anticipation of normal life expectancies and a belief in the universal right to have children, although nearly twice as many participants believed this to be a "right" for cancer patients than for HIV patients. Young respondent ages, higher educational attainment, Jewish religion, and a personal history of infertility were associated with higher likelihood of support. Lower education level, higher annual household income, and having children were predictors of discordance in support of IVF for cancer versus HIV patients.

Conclusion(s): Despite advancements in the treatment of cancer and HIV, which have allowed patients to have longer life expectancies and improved chances of parenthood, there is significant disparity in the support of providing IVF to these patient groups.