Decision making about infertility treatment: Does unlimited access lead to inappropriate treatment?

Abstract

The proportion of women aged 40-44 undergoing IVF treatment covered by Maccabi Health Services increased between 2011 and 2014. Although age-specific birth rates did not substantially change over this time period, the demographic change was accompanied by an overall decrease in live births after IVF treatment. The relative contribution of changing population demographics vs. current age-related coverage policies to these trends is unclear. Additional research is needed to better understand the potential effect of changes in current policy on maternal, neonatal, and economic outcomes.