Involuntary childlessness: Lessons from interactionist and ecological approaches to disability

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Medicine
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Many individuals experiencing involuntary childlessness seek assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization.
• Current eligibility criteria, primarily based on 'infertility,' are insufficient for inclusive access.
• Existing medical and social infertility frameworks do not fully encompass all relevant involuntarily childless experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for broader and more equitable access to assisted reproductive technologies.
• To critique the inadequacy of current infertility definitions for determining ART eligibility.
• To propose a more inclusive criterion for accessing ARTs.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of involuntary childlessness.
• Examination of existing frameworks for infertility and ART access.
• Application of interactionist and ecological models of disability.

Main Results:

• The prevailing 'infertility' criterion is inadequate for ensuring fair access to ART.
• A unified and inclusive eligibility criterion is needed to address diverse involuntarily childless experiences.
• Integrating disability models offers a path toward a more equitable approach.

Conclusions:

• Normative reasons support inclusive access to ART for the involuntarily childless.
• Rethinking eligibility criteria through disability frameworks can enhance equity.
• A revised, inclusive criterion is essential for fair access to assisted reproductive treatments.