Greece’s initiative for free fertility testing to expand to Australia as it tackles low bi
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greece’s low birth rates have become a “modern threat” with both economic and social implications. Health body’s and the government have spearheaded a public awareness and education campaign on fertility and reproductive health to promote accurate information.
The Greek government has announced a package of measures to tackle the demographic issue, including free fertility testing (AMH – Anti-Müllerian Hormone testing) for women aged 30-35 and simplifying coverage for assisted reproduction.
The scientific community welcomes the measures
The scientific community and the Hellenic Healthy Cities Network have expressed satisfaction with the announcement of the new measures, stressing the need for young women to be informed about their fertility testing options.
The Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine highlighted the significance of free AMH testing during an event for World Fertility Day, focusing on raising public awareness about the importance of assessing ovarian reserves.
According to the Society, AMH testing is a simple blood test that provides a reliable indicator of a woman’s egg reserves. AMH is secreted by the cells of small ovarian follicles, and its levels in the blood are directly related to the size of the ovarian reserve.
Ovarian reserve refers to the total number of eggs a woman has throughout her reproductive life, which decreases with age. Measuring AMH offers a reliable estimate of the ovarian reserve and can help women better understand their fertility potential.
Awaiting reimbursement criteria and procedures
“We now have a new test in our medical arsenal – the Anti-Müllerian Hormone test, a reliable examination that we hope will be reimbursed, allowing us to assess infertility rates so that women can enter assisted reproduction earlier, more easily, and effectively,” said Deputy Minister of Health, Eirini Agapidaki.
The Ministry of Health has submitted an application to the Central Health Council for a decision, to promptly proceed with its inclusion in the reimbursement process.
Misconceptions
“The decrease in ovarian reserves has serious repercussions on reproductive capacity, especially after the age of 35. Many women face infertility problems due to diminished ovarian reserves,” said Konstantinos Pantos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, in an interview with Athens News Agency (AMNA).
He added, “There is a misconception that assisted reproductive techniques can overcome this problem, but in reality, they depend on the existing reserve. Greece has low birth rates, and women are delaying motherhood. It’s crucial to highlight the importance of prevention and education on fertility. Egg cryopreservation is a promising option for women who wish to postpone childbearing.”
The key is proper information
As Pantos noted, through awareness programs, like those organised by municipalities, citizens can become more informed about reproductive health.
“The collaboration of institutions is essential for the effective implementation of these strategies. Free AMH testing is crucial in combating infertility, and we are pleased that our efforts to include it under EOPYY coverage have been successful. Prevention and accurate information will contribute to improving fertility rates. The Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine plans to continue its social work, supporting women and families in Greece,” he said.
The Hellenic Healthy Cities Network further emphasised the necessity for young women to be informed about their fertility testing options.
Through health centres, the network organises awareness-raising activities, with informative talks on the importance of preventive fertility testing. The initiative has started in the municipalities of Kifissia, Agia Paraskevi, Heraklion Attica, Lokroi, and Mandra-Idyllia.
“Infertility has serious social and economic consequences and requires a national strategy to address it. As the Hellenic Healthy Cities Network, we are committed to fully informing the public about the importance of AMH testing, so couples, especially young women, understand how crucial it is to undergo this examination,” said Georgios Patoulis, president of the Hellenic Healthy Cities Network and president of the Athens Medical Association (ISA).
Greece’s free fertility testing initiative to expand to Australia
The initiative for free fertility testing, aimed at improving women’s reproductive health, was discussed during a meeting between Georgios Patoulis, president of the ISA and the Hellenic Healthy Cities Network, and Konstantinos Pantos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, with Professor Marinos Pirpiris, president of the Greek Medical Association of Australia, orthopaedic professor at the University of Melbourne, and Vice President of the Health Ministry’s Committee for Proper Medical Practices in Australia.
Pirpiris previously expressed his intention to discuss with the Australian government the implementation of similar fertility testing programs for women aged 30-35 in order for them to make informed decisions about their life based on their reproductive health.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
