An Ethical Analysis on Online Content of Assisted Reproductive Technology Centers in Bangladesh

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have become a widely utilized medical technology for treating infertility worldwide. However, societies and countries have applied these technologies in accordance with their cultural practices and belief systems. This paper presents an overview of ART providers in Bangladesh and analyzes their online content in addressing potential infertile couples. Examining the topic within the context of socio-economic and public health challenges in Bangladesh, particularly overpopulation, poverty, and lack of education, the research conducted a web content analysis of ART providers in Bangladesh from July 1 to September 1, 2023. Twenty active ART providers were identified using Google searches and an exploratory key. The analysis considered location, landing page information, ethical standards, quality certification, foreign affiliations, and success rates. The findings revealed a concentration of centres in urban areas, raising concerns about equitable access. The absence of regulation and guidelines, couples with the lack of ART clinic registration, highlighted potential risks to patient well-being. Landing page statements utilized highly emotive language and ambiguous terms, raising ethical concerns. The absence of explicit mention of quality standards, including ISO certification, indicated potential gaps in transparency. Limited and ambitious reporting were employed for credibility, raising conners of misleading advertising. Limited and ambitious reporting of success rates posed challenges for informed decision-making. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks, transparency in reporting, adherence to ethical advertising, and increased cultural sensitivity to enhance the ethical standards for ART providers in Bangladesh.