Nearly half of all pregnancies, totalling 121 million each year throughout the world, are unintended. For the women and girls affected, the most life-altering reproductive choice—whether or not to become pregnant—is no choice at all, explains the State of World Population 2022 report, released today by UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Read more
If sperm was an animal, science might worry that it’s heading toward extinction in Western nations. Total sperm count in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand dropped by up to 60% in the 38 years between 1973 and 2011, the research found — an acceleration of a trend that began in the 1940s. More Read more
The John Templeton Foundation has recently allocated almost $4 million to conduct an Otago University-led study – The Evolutionary Dynamics of Religion, Family Size, and Child Success. The research will be led by Dr John Shaver, University of Otago’s Religion programme head, with Otago Research Fellow Dr Joseph Watts, who will conduct fieldwork in The Read more
New Zealand’s total fertility rate has reached an all-time low. An average of 1.71 children per woman in New Zealand is well below population replacement level and threatens economic growth and the country’s social balance and structure. Population replacement and growth is only coming by way of immigration. The claims come in “Families: Ever Fewer Read more
Everyone needs to have compassion for those experiencing the hardship of infertility. It is easy to take the problem a little too lightly unless you have experienced its own poignant kind of heart wrenching which isn’t easily dispelled. But behind the public face of infertility is the more hidden face of the altruistic dream-maker; the Read more
Eggs, sperm and embryo samples of almost 2000 people are set to be lawfully destroyed as a ten year storage time deadline approaches. In 2004, the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act was passed governing the practice of fertility treatment. In 2010 the legislation was amended allowing the retrospective 10-year storage period for eggs, sperm and Read more
A French couple has admitted to the synod on the family that they used artificial contraception after the birth of their third child. But Olivier and Xristilla Roussy said their experience with contraception was not a good one. After their third child was born, Mr Roussy said, Xristilla was exhausted; they thought that using the Read more
Lord Robert Winston, a noted science commentator and advocate, presenting shows such as ‘Child of our Time’ and ‘The Human Body’, is in New Zealand from March 9 to 13 for a series of events. A highlight of the visit was two interactive broadcasts Lord Winston held for Year 7-10 and Year 12-13 students throughout Read more
Next month New Zealand’s advisory committee on reproductive technology (Acart) will make the recommend to Health Minister, Tony Ryall, that between $1000 and $3000 be payed to egg donors. The reason given for the recommendation is that it will encourage more people to donate eggs, and sperm. Acart chairman John Angus said increasing payments would Read more
Rachel and Stuart Maloney’s small townhouse at Pottsville on the northern NSW coast is a happy home. Wedding pictures hang on the walls and colourful toys are scattered through the living room where toddler Nate plays chasey with his dad. This joyful scene of family life has not come easy. In 2007, Stuart and Rachel Read more