Statement attributable to Linda Giudice, MD, PhD, President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
“We are pleased that the International Court of Human Rights (IACHR) has cleared the way for Costa Ricans suffering from the disease of infertility to access assisted reproductive technology treatments without having to travel from their home country.
In finding that Costa Rica violated human rights laws in its 12-year ban of in vitro fertilization, the court recognized the importance of the right to have children and a family and that conception dates from implantation. Like all diseases, infertility strikes unfairly. And for Costa Rican patients prevented access to one of the most effective infertility treatments, the injustice was exacerbated. All patients need to have access to the most effective treatments appropriate for them. We applaud the court for restoring hope for those suffering from infertility in Costa Rica.”
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of 8,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology. Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, and the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists. Read full article.
