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Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(5), pp. 1383 - 1400
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130530
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Evaluating the Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Reproductive Health of Women: A Medico-Legal Study

Gayathri PG , Ambika R Nair ^*
Vellore Institute of Technology, School of Law- Chennai Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

This study explores the multifaceted impacts involving legal, physical, psychological, economic and social issues, experienced by women, while undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) due to infertility, with a focus on the medico-legal challenges embedded in India's Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires as the primary data collection tool, managed through snowball sampling. A total of 30 valid responses (a convenience sample that was limited by time constraints) were collected from women undergoing ART. Data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 to examine the prevalence and severity of impacts and their correlation with legal challenges. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a value of 0.796, indicating good internal consistency (standard ≥ 0.7). Findings reveal that considering the complex nature of ART legislation, 2021 is quite inadequate and challenging for women, making it difficult for them to navigate and safeguard their rights, concerning clinical, physical and mental health outcomes. While being progressive, the ART (Regulation) Act 2021 fails to adequately address these medico-legal concerns, including inadequate regulation of clinical practices and insufficient psychological care. The study highlights the need for amendments in Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 to strengthen medico-legal provisions concerning the protection of reproductive health, autonomy and clinical-wellbeing, ensuring ART services to be safe, accessible, and ethically sound for women in India.

KEYWORDS
Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Fertility Treatments, Health Care, Infertility, Legal Concerns, Reproductive Autonomy, Women

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Gayathri PG , Ambika R Nair , "Evaluating the Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Reproductive Health of Women: A Medico-Legal Study," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1383 - 1400, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130530.

(b). APA Format:
Gayathri PG , Ambika R Nair (2025). Evaluating the Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Reproductive Health of Women: A Medico-Legal Study. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(5), 1383 - 1400. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130530.