Pew Research: Americans Overwhelmingly Embrace Access to IVF

According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, Americans overwhelmingly view access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a good thing. The survey found that 70% of adults say having access to IVF is a good thing, while only 8% view it as a bad thing.

The positive view of IVF access cuts across most major demographic groups. There are only modest differences in opinion by gender, with 70% of women and 69% of men saying IVF access is a good thing. Support is also widespread across religious affiliations, including 78% of white non-evangelical Protestants and religiously unaffiliated Americans, 69% of Black Protestants, 65% of Catholics, and 63% of white evangelicals.

Interestingly, even among those who believe abortion should be illegal in most cases, a majority (60%) still say having access to IVF is a good thing. This suggests that many Americans view IVF separately from the abortion debate.

The survey results come amid intensifying political debates around access to IVF, following an Alabama Supreme Court decision in February that classified frozen embryos as children. The overwhelming public support for IVF access revealed by the Pew survey could shape these policy discussions.

As the use of IVF continues to grow, with over 2 million babies born through the procedure as of 2005, the public's positive perception of this technology will likely play a role in determining its future regulation and availability. Policymakers and stakeholders will need to consider the broad public endorsement of IVF access as they navigate this complex issue.

Review the full report here.