Assisted conception services and regulation within the Brazilian context

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article was to analyze the social, ethical, and legal aspects related to assisted conception in Brazil. Methods: This paper was based on preliminary data extracted from research “Assisted Reproduction in Brazil: Demographic, Social Aspects and Implications for Public Policy”. This study aimed to investigate the private and public supply, the availability, and the criteria to allow access to reproductive technologies within the realms of public services, government regulations and legislation, professional association guidelines, and self-regulations, in addition to the ensuing ethical and social implications. The data comprises interviews with fertility specialists; Federal Board of Medicine resolutions on assisted conception; technical standards set by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency; participant observation; and detailed field notes of the Congresses of the Brazilian Society for Assisted Conception. Results: Health care services have been unable to meet the growing demand for infertility treatment. Assisted reproductive technologies are mainly offered by private clinics at a very high cost. There is no specific legislation regulating assisted conception in Brazil. Bills aimed to regulate it are markedly influenced by religious views and moral judgment. Evangelical and Catholic members of Congress against procedures involving the manipulation of embryos hamper discussions on the topic. Conclusions: In the absence of state regulation, resolutions of the Federal Board of Medicine are filling the gap. Regarding all reproductive rights, equitable access to assisted conception care is dependent on public health services.