Women’s Health and the Babymaking Biz
By: Fempower Health
Tags: Womens Health, Fertility, Pregnancy, Baby, Reproductive Rights

Fertility in the United States is at a record low for the fourth year in a row. This has widespread impact on society and the economy. But if you are numbered among the many women who are trying (and failing) to conceive, you know that you are far more than a statistic. Unanswered questions, endless doctor’s visits and undiagnosed conditions stare back at you, an echoing void of relentless “we’re not really sure”s.

Here’s the news: fertility is a growing industry. Well-intentioned policymakers, researchers and businesses are working to improve understanding and resources. Ill-intentioned businesses are capitalizing on fear with empty promises and repackaged tools. The emotion a woman faces when she encounters infertility creates vulnerability.

So, what are businesses doing to actively improve women’s health? Who can you trust and where can you find reliable resources? This article will provide statistics, news and recommended resources.

Fertility Rates in the United States

There are three measurements used to calculate the general fertility rate (GFR) and the total fertility rate (TFR). According to Pew Research, the latest fully recorded data — from 2018 — was the first year that both the GFR and TFR were equal. After a brief increase in 2014, we are now at the lowest recorded number of births since 1986. Provisional data from the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that:

For every 1,000 women aged 15–44 (considered childbearing years), there were 59 births.

In 2018, the total fertility rate in the U.S. was 1,728 births for every 1,000 women, which is a record low.

Preterm birth rates rose to 10.02%.

Birth rates among women younger than 35 have declined.

In 2018, the total fertility rate of women in the U.S. was 1.73 (the “replacement rate” for fertility is 2.08).

Pew Research also reports that the U.S. Census Bureau will begin collecting fertility information for women up to the age of 50, due to the prevalence of childbearing in later years.

What do these numbers mean? Generally, they seem to indicate that:

There are fewer overall births. Birth rates among younger women are declining. Birth rates among older women are rising.

Every number is a woman. Women’s health is integrally connected to fertility issues. What is being done to improve access to care and understanding of fertility issues?

The Business of Fertility

Fertility is a lucrative business. While the answers are far from complete, there are now many common options for couples who face infertility. These are expected to reach 2.2 billion dollars in the U.S. by 2023. These include procedures such as:

ART (IVF, Surrogacy, ICSI)

Insemination

Tubal ligation

Laparoscopy

In addition to procedures, infertility treatment makes money through equipment and accessories, including things like:

Incubators

Imagining systems

Sperm analyzers

Incubators

Cryosystems

Gas analyzers

This fertility equipment is actually the most lucrative part of infertility treatment. Investors are aware of these real dollars. Some start-ups are now showing impressive increases in stock trading. While this is good news for business, what does it mean for the average woman who is facing infertility?

The Price Tag of Infertility

Infertility is a complex issue. It may result from a straightforward condition or something doctors can’t even identify. Women are often shuffled between specialists and faced with out-of-pocket expenses.

From paying several thousands of dollars for multiple rounds of IVF to moving toward surrogate fees or repeating tests, the balance sheet for women who seek treatment can be staggering. Reform is needed to both accelerate research and create better and more affordable access to fertility care as a normal part of women’s healthcare.

Fertility Resources and Education

One of the biggest barriers to improved fertility treatments that improve women’s health is the sporadic, unreliable delivery of good information. Women shouldn’t have to be Sherlock-level researchers to find out for themselves what their options are and what they should do.

This industry is benefiting from increased funding and awareness, which has primarily been mobilized by women advocating for themselves and demanding better answers.

Numerous efforts are being made across many sectors of society, both to normalize fertility education and provide resources for women who need them. Here are some helpful resources.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides public health forums, medical research, physician education and more. They have a comprehensive website with many resources that feature their latest findings.

Fertility4Me has thorough resources that are endorsed by real women with life experiences in infertility and fertility treatments. Learn about:

These resources will help you learn the terms and concepts you need to get fluent in fertility.

Fempower Health Women’s Health Support and Fertility Info

Fempower Health was founded as a platform to help women who struggle to find answers. Steeped in real testimonies, the leaders at Fempower Health understand how essential good information and active measures are to help women. From policy and the healthcare industry to medical information and hearing stories like yours, this is a platform you can get behind… and that will get behind you.

Check out the Fempower Health podcast for information from top experts in their field.

Sources:

Hamilton, Brady E. et al. “Births: Provisional Data for 2018.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2019. Accessed January 24, 2020.

Livingston, Gretchen. “Is U.S. fertility at an all-time low? Two of three measures point to yes.” Pew Research Center, May 22, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2020.