Addressing Demographic Challenges Through Public–Private Partnerships: In Vitro Fertilization in Latvia

The study by Morshed-Behbahani et al. highlights that financial barriers are not the sole obstacle to accessing infertility treatment. To ensure equal access for all, infertility treatment should be regarded as a universal human right, with the public sector assuming responsibility for its provision. This study examines the use of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the implementation of medically assisted reproduction to tackle demographic challenges. The methods of this paper are based on an analysis of health system policy approaches. Initially, a literature review was conducted, focusing on keywords such as “public–private partnerships,” “In Vitro fertilization,” and “demography.” The second step involved collecting data on IVF in Latvia. Finally, the data was analyzed, and conclusions were drawn from the results. It was found that 2012, there were 42 medical insemination attempts, resulting in the birth of 12 children. In contrast, by 2023, 1293 medical inseminations were performed, leading to the birth of 708 children. In 2012, the Latvian public spent EUR 48,239.79 on medical fertilization. By 2023, this expenditure had increased to EUR 2,672,280.55. Significant increases in funding occurred in 2019 and 2022, with state spending reaching EUR 1,109,405.65 and EUR 2,353,105.83, respectively. This article results shows that public–private partnerships in addressing infertility are a valuable approach, both in tackling infertility and in addressing the country's demographic challenges.