Fertility decline is a global phenomenon, affecting all people equally, with significant
implications on demographic and socio-economic aspects of societies. Infertility is
attributed to a range of factors including increasing exposure to toxic substances and
pollution, delayed childbearing, sexually transmitted diseases, and obesity.
In Chile, recent data published by the National Statistics Center (INE) report total fertility
rates of 1.3 (i.e. 1.3 children per women in reproductive age), which is among the lowest
figures in Latin America and the world.
That translates into 1 in 8 people who will experience infertility in their lifetime, and it is
estimated that rate will be 1 in 3 by 2050.
These alarming figures indicate a demographic crisis in Chile, as fertility decline
combined with an aging population brings serious implications on economy and society.
Current projections show that by 2064 there will be more people dying than being born
in several countries around the world, including Chile.
It is imperative to raise awareness in Latin America on how to protect fertility to help
people make informed decisions about their reproductive future.
With a declining number of people willing to reproduce, it is urgent to support and
promote access to fertility care for those suffering from involuntary infertility in Chile,
estimated at 400,000 people across the country.
The Chilean Reproductive Medicine Society (SOCMER) has launched an awareness
campaign emphasizing the importance of fertility care and family building, and how to
protect fertility. Working with health authorities, we are reaching out to policymakers and
the public in three areas:
- Education campaigns on protecting fertility for the general population;
- Prevention efforts on assessing ovarian reserves and including access to AMH
determination in at-risk groups like patients with oncological diseases, endometriosis, or
sexually transmitted diseases; - Improving Treatment by lobbying for coverage of infertility and fertility preservation
treatment by state and private insurance companies.
Together we hope to improve fertility care and the future of Chilean families.
Author: Dr. Aníbal Scarella
Translation: Dr. Marcos Horton
One Response
To see these figures, it is personally sad, Chile can achieve so much more but the demographics of the country are of great concern. There is an absolute need to enable reproductive welfare and enlighten the society on the issues of fertility, in order to secure a better future.