American Society for Reproductive Medicine

10/19/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Couples’ Decisions To Conceive

Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Couples' Decisions To Conceive

Oct 19, 2021
Author: ASRM
Origin: ASRM Press Release

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE'S 2021 SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS

Concerns about the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women and their fetuses, lack of family support during labor and worries about job security or finances all contributed to decisions to suspend trying to conceive from March 2020 to April 2021.

A study reported at the 2021 ASRM Scientific Conference found that than among 16,000 people who were actively trying to conceive in the six months prior to COVID-19, 70% decided to temporarily pause their efforts specifically due to the pandemic. Another 6% said they were delaying their attempts at pregnancy indefinitely until after the pandemic.

The researchers found that temporary and longer-term changes in trying to conceive were comparable across all U.S. regions and ages, and the numbers of those putting it off temporarily were highest in the Northeast and lowest in the Southeast. The findings demonstrate the pandemic's widespread impact on family building behavior, and the authors point out that reproductive medicine specialists should be prepared to support patients as they revisit their decisions, especially those whose fertility opportunities may be narrowing.

P-455, S. Malloy et al, READY (OR NOT): CHANGES IN CONCEPTION ATTEMPTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

For more information on these press releases, contact:

J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
409 12th Street SW, Suite 602
Washington, DC 20024-2188
Tel: (202) 863-2494

For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org

Contact:

Sean Tipton
Ph: 202-863-2494 or 202-421-5112 (mobile)
Email: [email protected]