The Intelligence from The Economist Sex cells: the modern fertility business
Aug 13, 2019
Sasha Nauta, public policy editor at The Economist, and correspondent Amun Rizvi delve into the booming fertility business and its ethical gray areas. They discuss the explosion of IVF innovations and the marketing tactics that prey on hopeful parents, while cautioning about false promises. Additionally, Rizvi sheds light on the alarming rise of piracy in West Africa, highlighting the dangers faced by sailors and the inadequacies of security measures in the region. Together, they provide a compelling look at these pressing contemporary issues.
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Growing Fertility Market
- Fertility is a growing market, with Europe and America leading and China catching up.
- Investment is booming in "femtech" as clinics seek to expand their clientele, driven by potential recession-proof demand and high profit margins.
Shifting Focus in Fertility Marketing
- The fertility industry historically capitalized on hope for having children.
- Now, it increasingly leverages fear of waiting too long or experiencing difficulties conceiving.
Expanding Fertility Services
- The fertility sector is expanding beyond infertility treatments to include fertility preservation and tracking.
- Egg freezing targets younger women, while fertility tests offer insights into reproductive health, creating new business opportunities.