Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Need for accessible infertility care in Ghana: the patients’ voice

Nana Yaw Osei

CEO of the Association of childless couples of Ghana (ACCOG), Accra, Ghana.

Correspondence at: nanayok2002@yahoo.com

Keywords:

Affordable IVF, childlessness, Ghana, infertility, sociocultural consequences


Published online: Jun 30 2016

Abstract

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) infertility and childlessness are the most important reason for divorce in Ghana. The traditional Ghanaian society is pro-natal and voluntary childlessness is very uncommon. Patient groups are almost non-existent in Sub-Saharan Africa, aggravating the situation of childless couples. Due to the lack of enough and affordable high quality infertility services, many women resort to traditional healing, witchcraft and spiritual mediation. Considering the severe sociocultural and economic consequences of childlessness, especially for women, there is an urgent need for accessible and affordable high quality infertility care in Ghana.