Density of in-vitro fertilization centers and its correlation with socioeconomic factors in Maharashtra state, India

ABSTRACT

Background: The infertility due to various reasons is increasing and correspondingly the number in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers is also increasing. Some procedures in these centers can deliver desired sex of the unborn child. The gender discrimination in India has already resulted unfavorable child sex ratio for girls. Maharashtra is one of the badly affected states. It is feared that the child sex ratio may further decline due to IVF centers. The study was carried out to measure correlation between number of IVF centers with various indicators of sex ratio infertility, and some socio-economic factors.Methods: The study was conducted in 2014 using secondary data. District wise internet search by using words ‘In-Vitro Fertilization center’ and ‘infertility treatment center’ was carried out. Whenever IVF center/procedure was noticed on the internet, the center with its address was included in that district list.Results: There was positive correlation between IVF centers and urbanization, per capita income, female literacy and negative correlation with population sex ratio and no correlation with sex ratio at birth or child sex ratio. The best correlation was observed with urbanization, which explains the observed correlation with other variables.Conclusions: The number of IVF centers is not related with magnitude of infertility and not affecting sex ratio whereas IVF density seems to be an outcome of extent of urbanization.