An Update on Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation (POC) in Italy: Medical, Epidemiological and Legal Consideration

Jessica Cremonese, Marianna Marcon, Laura Oppi, Giulia Paletti, Vincenzo Romolo, Pamela Tozzo and Luciana Caenazzo
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Jessica Cremonese: Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Marianna Marcon: Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Laura Oppi: Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Giulia Paletti: Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Vincenzo Romolo: Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Pamela Tozzo: Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Luciana Caenazzo: Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: Starting with a brief socioeconomic analysis of the phenomenon of female fertility, this narrative review aims to provide an analysis of the use and possibilities of medically assisted reproductive technology in combating fertility issues, adopting socioeconomic, legal and medical perspectives in Italy. The authors mainly employ data from the annual reports of the National Registry of Medically Assisted Reproduction (PMA Registry) and the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT) to understand the evolution of oocyte use in medically assisted reproductive technology in Italy from 2015 to 2018 and in particular to dissect the possibilities of oocyte cryopreservation as a measure to counteract age-related infertility, specifically through Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation (POC), also known as “social freezing”. It seems that the best course of action in the context of medically assisted reproduction would be the use of young and healthy cryopreserved oocytes (autologous or donated), preferably before the age of 40, while encouraging donation of oocytes whenever possible. Italy’s dependence on foreign biobanks for donated oocytes calls for the institution of a national biobank and further specific regulation of gamete donation. For this reason, it would be useful to encourage the acceptance of Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation to allow greater availability of healthy, younger oocytes.

Keywords: women health; Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation; oocyte biobanking; Italy; ethics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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