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Review
. 2018 Jul;35(7):1277-1288.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1181-x. Epub 2018 May 28.

Cross border reproductive care (CBRC): a growing global phenomenon with multidimensional implications (a systematic and critical review)

Mahmoud Salama  1   2 , Vladimir Isachenko  3 , Evgenia Isachenko  3 , Gohar Rahimi  3 , Peter Mallmann  3 , Lynn M Westphal  4 , Marcia C Inhorn  5 , Pasquale Patrizio  6
Affiliations
Review

Cross border reproductive care (CBRC): a growing global phenomenon with multidimensional implications (a systematic and critical review)

Mahmoud Salama et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: Many people travel abroad to access fertility treatments. This growing phenomenon is known as cross border reproductive care (CBRC) or fertility tourism. Due to its complex nature and implications worldwide, CBRC has become an emerging dilemma deserving more attention on the global healthcare agenda.

Methods: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in PubMed in English during the past 18 years to explore CBRC phenomenon in the new millennium.

Results: Little is known about the accurate magnitude and scope of CBRC around the globe. In this systematic and critical review, we identify three major dimensions of CBRC: legal, economic, and ethical. We analyze each of these dimensions from clinical and practical perspectives.

Conclusion: CBRC is a growing reality worldwide with potential benefits and risks. Therefore, it is very crucial to regulate the global market of CBRC on legal, economic, and ethical bases in order to increase harmonization and reduce any forms of exploitation. Establishment of accurate international statistics and a global registry will help diminish the current information gap surrounding the CBRC phenomenon.

Keywords: Cross border reproductive care; Embryo donation; Fertility preservation; Fertility tourism; Oocyte donation; Sperm donation; Surrogacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA four-phase flow diagram of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion steps
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cross border reproductive care (CBRC) cycle as a complex global phenomenon. (1) Different groups seeking CBRC. (2) Reasons of CBRC. (3) Intermediaries of CBRC including paid brokers and doctors abroad. (4) Fertility services provided as CBRC in the destination country. (5) Pregnancies achieved in CBRC via assisted or third party reproduction. (6) Take-home baby outcome of CBRC with increased incidence of twins
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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