Top in women's health: Analysis of embryo 'personhood' decision; maternal morbidity risk

A decision-analytic model revealed that the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision to grant personhood status to embryos created using IVF corresponded with fewer IVF cycles, fewer live births and no change in adoptions.

Researchers also found a link between the decision and less health care costs, although they noted an association with significantly reduced quality of life.

“Granting personhood status to embryos in Alabama was not cost-effective, even though it was cost-saving,” David M. Monroe, MD, MPH, a researcher with Oregon Health & Science University, said during a poster presentation at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo. “When looking at policies, we should address IVF access in ways that improve health.”

It was the top story in women’s health last week.

In another top story, researchers found a higher prevalence of severe maternal morbidity among women who utilized IVF vs. those who did not.

They also observed lower risk for severe maternal morbidity among women who used IVF at older vs. younger ages.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

Fewer IVF cycles, live births after Alabama Supreme Court’s embryo ‘personhood’ decision

Modeling data suggest the decision to grant personhood status to embryos in Alabama may be linked to hundreds fewer IVF cycles and live births and poorer quality of life, although there was less monetary cost to the health care system. Read more.

Severe maternal morbidity risk increases with IVF use, older age

IVF and older maternal age were both independently associated with increased risk for severe maternal morbidity, and the risk weakened for women who used IVF at older ages, researchers reported at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo. Read more.

Sleep disturbances tied to sexual dysfunction for men undergoing fertility testing

Mild to severe sleep disturbances corresponded with lower libido, and ejaculatory, orgasmic and erectile dysfunction for men undergoing fertility testing, according to a presentation at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo. Read more.

Many medical trainees report delaying childbearing, express interest in fertility preservation

In a survey of U.S. medical trainees, many respondents reported concerns about their or their partner’s future fertility and expressed interest in oocyte cryopreservation, but were unaware of available treatment options. Read more.

VIDEO: Common endocrine-disrupting chemicals may impact reproductive aging in women

In this Healio video exclusive, Jodi Flaws, PhD, discusses how exposure to a group of chemicals commonly found in plastics, cosmetics and personal care items may be tied to reproductive aging symptoms in women. Watch here.