AIR travel was once too expensive for all but the very rich. Now, thanks to low-cost carriers, it is sometimes the cheapest way to get from A to B. Could a similar revolution occur in fertility treatment? Two outfits have stripped IVF down to its bare essentials with the aim of making it affordable for African couples (see 鈥淟ow cost IVF comes to Africa鈥�). By relying on generic drugs and simple equipment, they plan to offer the procedure for about $350 per course, a fraction of the $12,000 it can cost in the west. The efforts are to be applauded, but they also raise an important question: why should IVF cost so much for anyone, anywhere? Many western couples miss out on having children because they cannot afford IVF. Now that we know it is possible, no-frills IVF should be a priority for clinics everywhere, not just in Africa.
A no-frills revolution for fertility treatment
If IVF can be offered to African couples for $350 a go, there's no reason why the costs can't go right down in the west too