Egyptian Revolution Brings an IVF Rush

A fertility clinic in Cairo. Credit: Rachel Williamson/IPSBy Rachel WilliamsonCAIRO, Oct 3 2013 (IPS) The young couple inspecting Dr Bassem Elhelw’s Cairo Fertility Clinic knew what they wanted from him: a baby boy. They also knew they wanted the child by in vitro fertilisation (IVF). After only four months of marriage they were already experienced at this game. They had seen two other fertility doctors, and the young woman had undergone two ovulation inductions to stimulate egg development. Elhelw said that had his advice been to be patient and try less invasive procedures before going straight to IVF, the couple would have moved on to their fourth doctor. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Egypt have boomed of late. According to specialists such as Elhelw this is now a fertile area for practitioners in it only for the cash. Doctors and reproductive experts say IVF treatments have risen significantly after the Jan. 25 revolution of 2011. "It's easy for the wealthy but fertility is too important for Egyptians, even the poor will ask for money to get it done." -- Dr Ashraf Sabry, director of three fertility clinics Across-the-board restrictions of what could be shown on television channels ended with the departure of former president Hosni Mubarak after the revolution. IVF clinics in Cairo and Alexandria began heavy advertising campaigns following the easing of restrictions. Elhelw said a profusion of “infomercial”–style television advertising is now reaching...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Arabs Rise for Rights Development & Aid Editors' Choice Featured Gender Global Governance Headlines Health Human Rights Middle East & North Africa Peace Population Projects Regional Categories Religion Special Report TerraV Source Type: news