US fertility rate on the rise. Muslims ban fertility treatment.
US fertility rate at it’s highest in 35 years
For the first time in 35 years, the fertilty rate in the US has reached 2.1 babies per woman. This is called the replacement rate, because it is the rate at which a population is stable. Below that, the population will dwindle, as is happening in many countries in Europe. If the rate is above that, the country’s population will increase. This article talks about many theories why 2006 was special, but with no mention of the benefits of fertility treatment. Anyway, we’re still glad to have been able to contribute our share to this good news.
Muslims couples forbidden from doing fertility treatment
The Muslim clerical community has gone back and forth for years regarding the acceptability of different types of fertility treatment such as IUI and IVF. Most recently, they have gone back to saying no. In my practice, I’ve helped many Muslim couples have babies. In some, their treatment is standard. For some couples, they request that one of my female assistants insert the vaginal ultrasound, cover her up and THEN I come in the room to do the ultrasound. Of note, my billing manager is a devout Muslim and is very happy working here. On the other hand, I once offered a clinical job to another woman who regretably had to turn down the opportunity after discussing with her Imam.
