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Deconstructing self-fulfilling outcome measures in infertility treatment
Mayli Mertens1,2, Heidi Mertes3
1Department of Philosophy, Center for Ethics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Bioethics
|October 3, 2023
Summary
Current infertility treatments define success solely by live birth rates, labeling others as failures. This study proposes a new measure focusing on alleviating patient suffering, reframing treatment outcomes beyond just childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology of Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- The standard metric for infertility treatment success is the live birth rate, creating a binary of success or failure.
- This narrow definition can lead to patients experiencing profound distress and feelings of failure, even when treatment cessation is a positive life choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique the limitations of the live birth rate as the sole outcome measure in infertility treatment.
- To propose an alternative outcome measure focused on the alleviation of suffering associated with infertility.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of current infertility treatment outcome metrics.
- Argumentation for a revised framework for evaluating treatment success.
Main Results:
- The live birth rate functions as a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing success or failure.
- Alternative outcome measures can acknowledge positive experiences beyond childbirth, such as emotional release from infertility-related suffering.
Conclusions:
- Rethinking success in infertility treatment is crucial for patient well-being.
- An outcome measure centered on alleviating suffering offers a more holistic and supportive approach to fertility care, validating diverse patient journeys.
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