IVF has changed perception of parenthood

Dr Harnoor Gill, an infertility specialist from Ludhiana, shares her insights on how In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is transforming the landscape of parenthood in India. In conversation with Manav Mander, she reflects on the emotional, medical and social dimensions of fertility care — especially for single parents and LGBTQ+ couples.

Q: How has IVF changed the landscape of parenthood in India over the past decade?

A: IVF has immensely reshaped parenthood in India by destigmatising infertility, enabling diverse family structures and boosting access to advanced reproductive care. Couples now speak more openly about reproductive challenges, breaking long-held taboos. IVF is increasingly seen not as a last resort, but as a proactive choice. It has also encouraged conversations around reproductive rights and personal agency, making parenthood more inclusive and intentional.

Q: Are you seeing more single parents or LGBTQ+ couples seeking IVF? What drives their choices?

A: Yes, there is a notable increase in single parents and LGBTQ+ couples seeking IVF. Single parents often pursue it due to changing social attitudes, career priorities or not having found a suitable partner. LGBTQ+ (which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) couples now see IVF as a viable path to biological parenthood.

Q: Traditionally, family meant a married couple with children. How do you see that definition evolving today?

A: The traditional model — where the man was the breadwinner and the woman a homemaker — has given way to more egalitarian roles. Today, family includes people who may not be related by blood or marriage, but share deep emotional bonds and mutual support. IVF has quietly supported this shift, allowing individuals to create families rooted in love, commitment and shared responsibility, beyond conventional norms.

Q: In your experience, how do older couples — especially those marrying late — approach IVF emotionally and medically?

A: Older couples often face anxiety due to lower success rates and societal pressure. Medically, they deal with decreased egg quality and quantity, which raises the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and pregnancy complications. Emotionally, there’s a heightened sense of urgency. Counselling and realistic expectations are essential.

Q: Do you think IVF is helping society accept non-traditional families more openly?

A: Absolutely. IVF has broadened the definition of family and fostered greater acceptance of single parents and same-sex couples. While social, religious and legal barriers still exist, public debate continues around the ethics of reproductive technology.

Q: What role does awareness play in helping people make informed decisions about fertility treatments?

A: Awareness is the key. It helps couples understand fertility basics, causes of infertility, including male factor infertility, and available treatments. Seeking medical advice early can improve outcomes. Not every couple needs IVF, many conceive with lifestyle changes or simpler interventions.

Q: What emotional challenges do single parents or LGBTQ+ couples face during the IVF journey?

A: They often face stigma, legal hurdles and emotional isolation. Single parents may struggle with decision-making and bearing the emotional and financial burden alone. LGBTQ+ couples face complex documentation and societal judgment. A failed IVF cycle can be especially distressing without a partner’s support, making counselling and community networks crucial.

Q: How do you balance medical possibilities with emotional readiness in your consultations?

A: We adopt a compassionate, holistic approach. While hope is important, patients must be counselled with realistic expectations. IVF success depends on age and medical history — no false guarantees should be offered. Ethical centres focus on transparency, emotional support and long-term care, not just statistics.

Q: How do you envision IVF future in India — especially in terms of inclusivity and innovation?

A: The future is promising. Innovations like AI for embryo selection, PGT, microfluidics for sperm sorting and IVM (which uses less hormonal stimulation) are improving outcomes. We must also make IVF more affordable and accessible, with insurance coverage and public health support.

Q: If you could change one public perception about IVF, what would it be?

A: Many believe IVF always involves donor gametes. That’s not true — most cycles use the couple’s own eggs and sperm unless medically necessary. Counselling is vital before starting. Choose a centre that offers realistic results and ethical care, not just glossy success rates.

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