Authors: Pennings, G.; Autin, C.; Decleer, W.; Delbaere, A.; Delbeke, L.; Delvigne, A.; De Neubourg, D.; Devroey, P.; Dhont, M.; D'Hooghe, T.; Gordts, S.; Lejeune, B.; Nijs, M.; Pauwels, P.; Perrad, B.; Pirard, C.; Vandekerckhove, F.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 24, Number 12, 20 December 2009 , pp. 3108-3118(11)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Cross-border reproductive care indicates the cross-border movements made by patients to obtain infertility treatment they cannot obtain at home. The problem at present is that empirical data on the extent of the phenomenon are lacking. This article presents the data on infertility patients going to Belgium for treatment.

METHODS

A survey was conducted among the centres for reproductive medicine that are allowed to handle oocytes and create embryos (B-centres). Data were collected on the nationality of patients and the type of treatment for which they attended during the period 20002007.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 18 centres responded to the questionnaire. The flow of foreign patients has stabilized since 2006 at approximately 2100 patients per year. The majority of foreign nationals seeking treatment in Belgium were French women for sperm donation. The next highest group was patients entering the country to obtain ICSI with ejaculated sperm.

CONCLUSIONS

There are clear indications that numerous movements are motivated by the wish to evade legal restrictions in one's home country, either because the technology is prohibited or because the patients have characteristics, which exclude them from treatment in their own countries.

Keywords: cross-border reproductive care; foreign patients; law; reproductive tourism

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dep300

Publication date: 2009-12-20

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Pennings, G. ;  Autin, C. ;  Decleer, W. ;  Delbaere, A. ;  Delbeke, L. ;  Delvigne, A. ;  De Neubourg, D. ;  Devroey, P. ;  Dhont, M. ;  D'Hooghe, T. ;  Gordts, S. ;  Lejeune, B. ;  Nijs, M. ;  Pauwels, P. ;  Perrad, B. ;  Pirard, C. ;  Vandekerckhove, F.

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