{
  "id": 12420214,
  "title": "Singles Are Becoming Less Open to IVF",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/singles-are-becoming-less-open-to-ivf",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T16:30:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Atlantic",
    "slug": "the-atlantic",
    "url": "https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/10/ivf-singles-in-america-decline/688892/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Less than half a century ago, the first child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) was born in Oldham, England. The groundbreaking procedure, which involved Louise Brown being born on July 25th, 1978, marked a turning point in medical history. Over the past few decades, IVF has evolved from a scientific curiosity to a common household term, accounting for nearly 3% of all births in the United States. Concurrently, another fertility treatment—egg freezing—has surged in popularity, with the number of procedures doubling from 6,000 in 2014 to 39,000 in 2024. This infertility assistance industry has thrived, generating billions of dollars and enabling single individuals, same-sex partners, and infertile couples to become parents. However, a recent Kinsey Institute study reveals a troubling decline in the willingness of singles to consider IVF and egg freezing. In 2017, 44% of respondents expressed willingness to consider IVF, while in 2020, only 18% did. Similarly, openness to egg freezing plummeted from 33% to 17%. These significant declines, particularly among those choosing to become single parents, coincide with a shift in attitudes towards parenthood. Financial stability, rather than a desire for children, is now a major factor influencing this decision. The rising costs of fertility treatments, coupled with potential risks and limitations, may be deterring potential customers. Moreover, increased skepticism toward medicine and science, coupled with a growing distrust of hormonal methods, may further contribute to this trend.",
  "summary": "Interest in fertility treatments is down—even if the actual procedures are booming.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}