Research on policy influencing multiple births

At Viera Fertility Center, we understand that the process of fertility treatment leaves potential parents with many decisions to make, one of which is whether or not to pursue or allow for a pregnancy with multiple embryos. New research highlights policy changes that could mean better outcomes for parents.

Pasquale Patrizio, M.D., professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine, and his colleagues at the Hastings Center identified several changes in policy and practice that would take pressure of parents trying to maximize in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a pregnancy of multiple babies.

Patrizio said the most promising changes should include: expanding insurance coverage to reduce the financial pressure on patients to prioritize pregnancy chances over safety; altering the definition of an IVF cycle so that two consecutive single embryo transfers is equivalent to one double embryo transfer for the purposes of calculating success rates and insurance benefits; investing in research to improve treatment efficacy and safety; fully informing patients of the likelihood of, and risks associated with, multiples; and altering clinic, insurer, and state policies to better enable patients to choose low-risk protocols.

At Viera Fertility Center, we support your decision to pursue multiples at birth or to attempt for one healthy baby. It is our goal to give you the family of your dreams and keep you healthy in the process. If you’re ready to begin the journey, contact us today!