In this era of shifting priorities, ARC® Fertility, a highly experienced national provider of innovative fertility and family-forming benefits for self-insured employers and their employees, emerges as a transformative force in addressing gender inequality and improving access to assisted reproductive technology (ART). A recent study co-authored by David Adamson, MD, founder and CEO, ARC Fertility, published in Human Reproduction, spotlights the vital role self-insured employers can play in advancing gender equality and enhancing reproductive health.
The paper, “Gender inequality and utilization of ART: an international cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis,” appeared in Oxford University Press’s academic research platform, which provides access to more than 40,000 books and 500 journals. It makes the case that gender equality is an important public health issue that boosts fertility rates and improves the lives of women.
The comprehensive study explores the direct link between a country’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Human Development Index (HDI) with the utilization of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and observes the significant impact a decrease in GII has on ART utilization.
Per capita income, the maternal mortality ratio, and female parliamentary ratio were all key predictors of access to reproductive care. Results were similar across different cultures, as ART utilization is associated with gender equality even after controlling for each country’s level of development.
These findings emphasize the global significance of gender equality.
Unpacking the Sobering Statistics: Gender Inequality and Healthcare Metrics
The United States shows serious deficits in three key interconnected statistics:
- Gender equality: 43rd out of 146 nations
- Women’s reproductive health: 15th among 25 low-risk countries
- Women’s healthcare: last among the 10 wealthiest nations
This calls for immediate attention and intervention.
Call to Action for Self-Insured Employers in Closing Healthcare Gaps
While the U.S. is falling behind other countries across these key metrics with regard to women’s health, employers can help remedy the situation by offering meaningful benefits coverage that closes huge care gaps. Employer-provided health insurance covers nearly 159 million working Americans, a growing number of whom participate in self-insured health plans. As such, businesses, along with their group insurance broker partners and purchasing alliances, play a pivotal role in helping provide healthcare that is both accessible and affordable for diverse employee populations and their families.
By helping reverse these troubling trends, employers can do their part to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity across the workplace.
“Reproductive rights are human rights, and access to fertility care is key to promoting the reproductive and sexual health of women everywhere, and the United States only stands to benefit from improving conditions for women,” says Adamson in a recent press release. “This correlation works both ways: as access to ART improves, we also see gains in women’s rights. Greater equality leads to increased access to reproductive care, which in turn fosters equality and expanding opportunities, influence and liberty for women worldwide.”
As the study serves as a call to action, ARC Fertility’s evidence-based approach positions it as a catalyst for positive change. Learn how empowering employers to offer accessible and inclusive reproductive care is not only closing healthcare gaps but also fostering workplace equality.
ARC Fertility’s Vision for a More Equitable Future
ARC Fertility, founded in 1997 from Adamson’s passion to increase access to affordable, high-quality reproductive care for everyone, has been a trailblazer in delivering high-value fertility and family-forming benefits. With a national network of top-tier fertility clinics, ARC Fertility is committed to realizing the dreams of tens of thousands, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
ARC Fertility envisions a future where workplace benefits actively contribute to closing gender and healthcare gaps. By championing meaningful benefits coverage, ARC Fertility is transforming workplaces into hubs of inclusivity, empowerment and support.
The full report is available through Oxford University Press. In addition to Dr. Adamson, authors include Oisín Fitzgerald, Silke Dyer, Fernando Zegers-Hochschild, Elena Keller and Georgina M Chambers.
To learn more visit: https://www.arcfertility.com.
