Dados do Trabalho

Title

Reproductive tourism: Brazil as a destination for this medical practice through a literature review

Objective

The objective of this work is to address reproductive tourism and Brazil as a destination for this medical practice through a literature review.

Methods

The research was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed and SciElo, focusing on publications between the years 2010 and 2022, as well as official resolutions from the Federal Council of Medicine and reports obtained from the Latin American Network of Assisted Reproduction. Articles, reports, and bulletins that covered aspects related to reproductive tourism were selected to gather data demonstrating that Brazil is one of the most sought-after destinations globally for this medical practice and its associated factors.

Results

Reproductive tourism, also known as "fertility tourism," has gained international prominence due to the increasing demand for this medical practice. Brazil is one of the most sought-after countries in Latin America, boasting over 180 clinics specializing in reproductive medicine (ANVISA, 2019).
Reproductive tourism refers to patients seeking assisted reproductive treatments and procedures in other countries due to prohibitions and restrictions in their home countries but permitted elsewhere (LAUXEN, 2013).
Motivations for reproductive tourism vary, but the most significant ones are related to prevailing laws in their home countries or states, specialized clinics with advanced assisted reproductive techniques, and the cost involved in assisted reproduction processes. Patients seek countries where their currencies hold more value and the cost of living is lower. Assisted reproduction can cost almost double or triple in countries where these techniques are allowed (Paraskou, 2017; Almeida, 2015; Corrêa, 2015).

Due to the low number of gamete donors and the prohibition of commercialization of gametes, both male and female, as well as compensated surrogacy, which are illegal in Brazil (CFM nº 2.294/2021), there is an exportation of patients to countries like Spain, Belgium, and the United States. In turn, Brazil receives patients seeking reproductive medicine due to lower costs compared to other countries or broader legislation, such as that of some African countries. Mozambique and Angola are among those countries seeking fertility treatment and access to assisted reproductive techniques in Brazil, as reported by G1 in 2012.
The Latin American Network of Assisted Reproduction (REDLARA) showed that in 2019, Brazil ranked first in Latin America for the number of performed in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination (AI), and embryo transfers. Around 83,000 Brazilian babies were born through assisted reproduction treatments in 25 years (REDELARA, 2021).
Reproductive tourism is, above all, a response to governments and institutions that, from a financial standpoint, do not provide accessibility to healthcare services or promote aspects of reproductive medicine. From a sociocultural perspective, it hinders and prohibits access or inclusion to assisted reproduction treatments and procedures for all. From a legal perspective, it forces its citizens to circumvent laws, access restrictions, or waiting lists in other countries or states to have the opportunity to start a family (BERGMANN, 2011).

Conclusion

Based on the data obtained from the literature review, it is evident that Brazil is a favorable country for the practice of reproductive tourism. The legislation, costs, and sociocultural aspects of the country enable individuals and social groups to access assisted reproduction techniques and realize their dream of forming a family.