LONDON, February 24 /PRNewswire/ --
    - Global Assisted Conception Taskforce Convened to Help Couples Navigate
the Assisted Conception Pathway
    Only 6% of the 90 million couples across the world experiencing
conception difficulties (representing an average of approximately 1 in every
6 couples) receive the treatment they need, (i) according to revealing
epidemiological data, announced today, by the newly formed Assisted
Conception Taskforce (ACT), an independent global taskforce of patients and
healthcare professionals.
    Additional research, also announced today by ACT, reveals appalling
awareness of the options available for couples experiencing conception
difficulties, with nearly half (48%) of couples reporting that the options
presented to them by their healthcare professionals are confusing and
uninviting. (ii) However, despite these views, treatment options available to
couples are not as daunting as most people think, with many modern treatments
being simple, non-invasive and very effective.
    "As this research clearly shows, only 6% of couples experiencing
conception difficulties actually receive the treatment they need. Either
people don't try to find help, or they find it difficult to access and drop
out," said Sandra Dill, Chair of the ACT group. "ACT's goal is to demystify
the process, making pregnancy achievable for the ten's of millions of couples
around the world who may currently be confused about options available to
them."
    The extent of these problems, on both a national and international scale,
has prompted the formation of the ACT group, a unique taskforce of patients
and healthcare professionals from 17 countries across the globe whose aims
are to:
    - Address the social and emotional issues surrounding conception
difficulties and assisted conception
    - Provide clear advice and information about assisted conception
    - Dispel myths and misconceptions about the treatment processes involved
    - Increase awareness of the range of therapeutic approaches and support
available for patients.
    "The concept of a patient being 'infertile' is an unhelpful and
inappropriate description for people who have conception difficulties and may
contribute to the reluctance attached to seeking medical help. One of the key
activities of the ACT group is to provide clear advice and guidance for
patients, dispelling the myths and misunderstanding associated with
conception difficulties and providing a helping hand along the assisted
conception pathway." explained Sandra.
    The ACT group are meeting today to hold their inaugural meeting in
central London, marking the commencement of their campaign to remove barriers
for patients associated with assisted conception. Following this meeting, the
group will develop a range of educational materials, aimed at doctors and
patients, providing help and assistance along the assisted conception
pathway. These will be launched later this year.
    Notes to Editors
    About the ACT Group
    The Assisted Conception Taskforce (ACT) is an international group of
healthcare professionals and patient representatives from 17 countries with a
specialist interest / expertise in conception difficulties. ACT aim to
provide education, advice and support to couples experiencing conception
difficulties by raising awareness of the issue. ACT is supported by an
unrestricted educational grant by Serono International.
    References:
    (i). Professor John A. Collins, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Global Epidemiological Conception Difficulties Model
    (ii). 'Barriers to Assisted Conception Treatment' - LightSpeed Research,
June 2004

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