Medically assisted reproduction for people living with HIV in Europe: A cross‐country exploratory policy comparison

OBJECTIVE: To explore the availability and accessibility of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) for people living with HIV in Europe, including the feasibility of cross‐border care. METHODS: We used a polymorphous engagement approach, primarily based on digital and email‐based interviews with representatives of national HIV organizations, clinical researchers (infectious disease and/or infertility specialists), European and national professional societies (fertility and/or infectious disease), national regulatory authorities and individual clinics in 14 countries in the WHO European region. The research design and results were also informed by two surveys and a review of the secondary literature, news articles and clinic websites. RESULTS: Although MAR is possible for people living with HIV in 12 out of the 14 countries mapped, accessing services can be challenging for logistical or financial reasons. People living with HIV also face barriers to MAR independent of their HIV status, such as limitations on single women and same‐sex couples accessing services. Cross‐border care is available for most patients who are self‐financing but is limited for publicly funded patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even when MAR is available to and accessible for people living with HIV, there may still be barriers to treatment. Further research on patient experiences is needed to understand these discrepancies between availability and accessibility on paper and in practice.