Provision of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Limited engagement in an online survey of Medical Directors of ART services. (9th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilbert, Emily W.; Boyle, Jacqueline A.; Campbell, Sandra K.; Rumbold, Alice R.
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 60:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 980
• Page End: 982
• Publication Date: 2020-09-09
• Subjects: Aboriginal health -- assisted reproductive technologies (ART) -- fertility -- in vitro fertilisation (IVF) -- Indigenous health -- infertility; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8666

Abstract

Abstract : Current knowledge about infertility and access to infertility treatment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is extremely limited. We conducted an online survey of Medical Directors of registered ART providers in Australia ( n = 59) to obtain preliminary information on this topic. Six (10%) Directors responded; only two reported routinely collecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status of clients. While the low response rate prevents generalising the findings, the poor engagement may indicate gaps in awareness of fertility issues for this group. This warrants further investigation, to understand whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are appropriately accessing infertility care.