Maven Clinic, a leading virtual clinic for women’s and family health, has released a study’s findings that examine the present state of fertility patient care. The report drew on the feedback of 500 women in the US who either pursued or considered fertility treatment, and it revealed that patients often lack crucial financial, emotional, and clinical support throughout their fertility journey.
The timing of Maven’s research coincides with the World Health Organization’s new data indicating that 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility, which highlights the need for comprehensive support that caters to the full range of patient needs. The study’s results provide healthcare and benefit decision-makers with the necessary insights to better support patients through every stage of their fertility and family-building journey.
Kate Ryder, Founder and CEO of Maven Clinic, stated that “Maven’s latest survey data reveals that for the millions around the world who experience infertility, the gaps in care are more like chasms, leaving them emotionally and financially vulnerable.” She added that “there is a clear business case for employers and payers to provide financial coverage as well as more holistic support across the full range of fertility and family-building experiences.”
Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer of Maven, also commented, “Every person deserves an approach to care that provides a more empowering and efficient path to building a family.” He emphasized that their research underlines how overwhelming the current care model has become, and there are opportunities to provide more trustworthy and accessible support.
The key findings of the report include the following:
- 97% of the surveyed women did not have all the information required when they first considered treatment, particularly about the associated costs.
- 65% of the patients felt like they left the fertility clinic with more questions than answers each time they visited.
- 47% of women identified the underlying cause of their fertility challenges as their most significant question, and 43% were unsure if other treatment options were available.
- More than two-thirds of women (68%) with a spouse or partner stated that their partner was sometimes overlooked in discussions and decision-making about family building.
- Over half of the women (55%) did not know what was covered by their insurance or employer when they first considered fertility treatment.
- Almost 90% of patients believed they would have to cut back on expenses to pay for treatments, with 51% cutting back on savings and 36% cutting back on daily expenses like groceries or transportation.
- 81% of women said that the emotional stress of fertility treatment was equal to or greater than the financial stress of treatment.
- 97% of women stated that offering fertility benefits would increase their desire to work for or stay with a company.
