| There are many options to make your infertility | | | | competition in the US, but given that only about 1/4 |
| solutions more affordable here in the US. Many clinics | | | | of infertility patients receive treatment, it's difficult to |
| work specifically to make IVF treatments more | | | | see how this argument is supported. |
| affordable by offering lower cost IVF procedures | | | | Another reason infertility cost is higher in the US is |
| and IVF refunds. But, something that more and more | | | | that, while most countries consider infertility to be |
| American women are doing is treating their infertility | | | | the medical condition that it is, the US continues to |
| outside the US. In fact, the National Institutes of | | | | have a debate about whether "wanting a child is not |
| Health estimated the medical-tourism industry to | | | | a necessity." This is the reason that some insurance |
| grow to more than $40 billion in 2010. | | | | companies continue to exclude infertility treatments |
| The Numbers: | | | | from coverage. |
| (from a study conducted by the European Society of | | | | Finally, as is the case for many goods and services, |
| Human Reproduction and Embryology) | | | | the higher costs of the "inputs" for the service in the |
| Average Costs of Infertility Treatment | | | | US contributes to the high final price tag for infertility |
| Japan 3,149 euros ($4,012) | | | | treatment options. In many other countries (India |
| Belgium 2,441 euros ($3,109) | | | | specifically) the materials needed to provide |
| Canada 6,766 euros ($8,740) | | | | treatment are cheaper so the treatment can be |
| U.S. 10,812 euros ($13,775) | | | | rendered cheaper. Real estate values, construction |
| Why is Infertility so much more expensive here? | | | | costs, government taxes, medical supplies, and cost |
| One theory is that competition in the US is limited. | | | | of labor are all cheaper. There are also fewer lawsuits |
| Logically, as infertility treatments have become more | | | | and government red tape to hinder the process. |
| common, more doctors and clinics have sprouted up | | | | Conclusion |
| to practice, and therefore prices should have gone | | | | There are many options for treating your infertility, |
| down. Our economy encourages competition, which | | | | and some of those options may indeed be more |
| should provide lower costs. Currently, though, | | | | affordable in other countries. Be sure to do your |
| restrictions are preventing this growth in the infertility | | | | research if you are considering getting treatment |
| treatment business. According to an article published | | | | abroad, because licensing standards and other health |
| in Newsweek in July 2010, the American Board of | | | | and safety factors may impact the treatment you |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology (where reproductive | | | | would receive. And, please continue to make your |
| endocrinologists are trained) limits the openings for | | | | demand heard in the US so that the "lack of |
| training. This limits competition and defeats the | | | | demand" argument can't be used an excuse anymore |
| natural reduction of prices. Some people claim | | | | for limiting competition. |
| demand is not high enough to create more | | | | |