Assisted reproduction methods are beneficial in addressing declining birth rates yet prove insufficient on their own
In the heart of Spain, a prominent gynecologist, Dr. Carmen Ruiza, from Ginemed Huelva, has voiced her concerns about the country's low fertility rates and the role assisted reproduction can play in addressing this issue.
According to Dr. Ruiza, the average age at maternity in Spain stands at 32.5 years, a figure that has been on the rise. This delay in family formation is part of the problem, as female fertility decreases significantly after the age of 35.
Dr. Ruiza believes that assisted reproduction can offer solutions to medical problems, facilitate motherhood at more advanced ages, and open up the possibility of having children to single people or same-sex couples. However, she also emphasizes that these tools are far from replacing conciliation policies and highlight the need to address the structural conditions that delay or hinder motherhood.
The gynecologist called for following the recommendations of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including implementing measures to promote labor stability, access to housing, support for family policies, and taking conciliation measures based on gender equality. She also emphasized the importance of incorporating fertility education from early stages and promoting campaigns that inform about the biological limits of reproductive capacity.
Public policies play a "crucial" role in influencing the social, economic, and cultural conditions that allow the population to form a family. Dr. Ruiza criticized the lack of effective conciliation measures, which have far-reaching implications for fertility.
The Spanish government has shown resistance to breaking relations with Israel, despite pressure from Sumar and its allies. However, details about the Spanish government's plans to change public policy on fertility were not found in the search results. The UNFPA has proposed comprehensive strategies including improved access to fertility treatments, support for healthy lifestyles, and policies to address declining birth rates, reflecting common international recommendations to tackle fertility issues.
It's worth noting that most Spanish women want two children, but the actual fertility rate is 1.12 children per woman, one of the lowest figures in the European Union. This discrepancy highlights the need for a "structural and sustained" solution for people to achieve their "reproductive desires" and reconcile family and work life, instead of resorting to "punctual" incentives for fertility.
In a broader context, the low fertility levels in Spain are "well below" the replacement level, resulting in progressive population aging, a lower proportion of the active population, and increasing pressure on pension and care systems.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, there has been a detainment of 900 people for supporting Palestine Action in the UK, which has been accused of "disregarding" the protest.
Lastly, the final between Alcaraz and Sinner at the US Open was delayed by half an hour due to security measures.
