Assisted reproductive technology and the reproductive behavior of urban youth (experience of a pilot study)

Introduction. The use of assisted reproductive technology in a situation of a demographic crisis can contribute to an increase in the birth rate among childless parents. The paper is of relevance as there is a need for a sociological analysis of the youth's attitudes towards the use of assisted reproductive technology. The purpose of the article is to reveal significant factors affecting the youth's attitudes towards assisted reproductive technology and its application, based on the results of a case study conducted among young people residing in the city of Saransk. Materials and Methods. The study used the methods of analysis, comparison and correlation. The data of a pilot survey conducted among young people residing in the city of Saransk and statistics were used as the empirical base of the study. The data were collected on the basis of the methodology developed by the authors according to quota sampling (by sex, age and place of residence). Results. The study has revealed the correlation between the respondents' awareness of assisted reproductive technology and their level of education, age and marital status. It has been established that those respondents who took advantage of assisted reproductive technology, more often used such methods as in vitro fertilization, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection and surrogacy. The authors have formulated proposals on the need for the state to increase funding for the assisted reproductive technology programs, when it concerns reproductive health, to allocate quotas, ensuring the availability of the technology for the enforcement of the reproductive rights in society, as well as to inform the public about new types of assisted reproductive technology. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the study can be used by the authorities, staff of reproductive health centers and in vitro fertilization clinics to develop and plan assisted reproductive technology programs, for conducting monitoring studies on the use of assisted reproductive technology. Prospects for the study are associated with conducting further in-depth qualitative research on parents using assisted reproductive technology.