WHO Report Underscores Global Infertility as a Public Health Priority
According to the latest findings from the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated one in six people worldwide—approximately 17.5% of the adult population—experience infertility at some point in their lives. The organization classifies infertility as a ‘neglected’ public health issue, emphasizing that access to diagnosis and treatment remains severely limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Infertility is defined medically as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. The WHO stresses that this condition affects individuals across genders and regions, with no significant disparity between high-income and developing nations in prevalence rates.
This widespread incidence underscores a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure and policy attention. Despite its prevalence, infertility is often stigmatized or treated as a private rather than a medical concern, leading to underfunding and fragmented care delivery. As awareness grows, so does the recognition that reproductive health is not only a human rights issue but also an economic and demographic imperative. The WHO’s report serves as a catalyst for policymakers, insurers, and investors to reevaluate how fertility services are integrated into national health systems.
Economic Burden of Infertility on Healthcare Systems and Productivity
The economic implications of untreated infertility are substantial. Direct healthcare costs include diagnostic procedures, hormonal therapies, surgical interventions, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the United States, a single IVF cycle can cost between $12,000 and $20,000, with many patients requiring multiple cycles to achieve success. Insurance coverage remains inconsistent; only 19 U.S. states mandate some form of fertility treatment coverage, leaving a majority of patients to pay out-of-pocket.
Indirect costs stem from lost productivity due to prolonged treatment timelines, mental health impacts, and workforce attrition. A 2022 study published in Fertility and Sterility estimated that infertility-related absenteeism and reduced work efficiency could cost employers up to $3,500 per employee annually. On a macroeconomic level, declining birth rates—partly driven by biological infertility and delayed childbearing—pose long-term challenges for labor supply, pension systems, and economic growth in aging societies across Europe, Japan, and parts of North America.
Rising Venture Capital Interest in Fertility Technology Startups
In response to these challenges, venture capital funding has surged into the fertility tech sector. From 2020 to 2023, global investment in digital health platforms focused on reproductive wellness exceeded $2.1 billion, according to CB Insights. Investors are targeting innovations in three key areas: fertility preservation, IVF automation, and hormone monitoring technology.
Fertility preservation startups like OvaScience (now part of Millendo Therapeutics) and Future Family have attracted millions in funding to expand egg-freezing accessibility. Meanwhile, companies such as Automated Lab Solutions (ALS) are developing robotic systems to standardize embryo culture and selection in IVF labs, aiming to improve success rates while reducing human error. Wearable hormone trackers, including those developed by Ava Women and Elvie, offer real-time ovulation insights using AI-driven analytics. These tools not only empower patients but generate valuable datasets for clinical research and personalized medicine.
Publicly Traded Companies and ETFs Leading Reproductive Health Finance
For institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to the reproductive health innovation space, several publicly traded companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer targeted opportunities. Major players include CooperSurgical (a subsidiary of CooperCompanies, NYSE: COO), which provides advanced IVF media, genetic testing kits, and cryopreservation equipment used in over 1,000 fertility clinics worldwide. Another key firm is Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO), whose laboratory instruments support embryology research and preimplantation genetic testing.
Specialized ETFs are emerging to capture broader trends in women’s health. The Wells Fargo Global Women’s Health ETF (HERS) includes holdings in biotech firms focused on gynecological disorders, menopause therapeutics, and fertility solutions. Similarly, the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) offers indirect exposure to smaller-cap innovators in reproductive medicine. Analysts note that while these assets carry typical biotech volatility, they benefit from long-term demographic tailwinds—including rising maternal age at first birth and increasing demand for non-traditional family planning options.
ESG Considerations in Funding Fertility-Focused Biotech Ventures
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are increasingly shaping investment decisions in healthcare. Fertility-focused ventures align strongly with the ‘S’ pillar of ESG, promoting health equity, gender equality, and inclusive access to care. However, ethical complexities arise around data privacy, equitable pricing models, and the commercialization of human biological materials.
Investors must assess whether portfolio companies adhere to transparent consent protocols, protect patient genomic data, and avoid exploitative marketing practices. For example, some critics have raised concerns about direct-to-consumer egg-freezing campaigns that may overstate success rates. Responsible investors are urging greater standardization in outcome reporting and advocating for inclusive business models—such as income-based financing or clinic partnerships in underserved regions—to ensure that technological advances do not widen existing disparities in reproductive care access.