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Fertility reimagined P ARENTHOOD is no longer confined by biology, age or tradition. With scientific breakthroughs, shifting social norms and o How science, empathy shaping future of parenthood

complex reproductive challenges, the journey to becoming a parent is profoundly different from a generation ago. Fertility is no longer just a personal goal, it is a global health priority and a lens through which we glimpse human potential. As we rethink parenthood, it is not just about technology, but also about values such as autonomy, resilience, empathy and access. Infertility affects one in six couples globally Behind that statistic by World Health Organisation, lie millions of personal stories filled with hope, grief and courage. Innovations such as in vitro fertilisation, egg freezing and preimplantation genetic testing have made parenthood possible for many, but the journey is still difficult for others, with challenges beyond biology, financial, societal, emotional and ethical barriers. More people are delaying

Parenthood today is shaped by science, choice and hope.

parenthood, while single-parent families by choice are on the rise. Conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are demanding more attention. Men are becoming more involved in fertility conversations. So, as the landscape of fertility shifts, can our healthcare systems keep up? becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, where biology, medicine, psychology, data science, ethics and engineering intersect. This collaborative approach is transforming healthcare by breaking down silos and extending beyond labs – and turning lecture halls into clinics, classrooms, policy and community spaces. In fertility care, this means embryologists working alongside data analysts, ethicists to shape treatment frameworks and educators to prepare future professionals who can think critically and act compassionately. 0 Science meets empathy Fertility treatment is not just about success rates or hormone levels, it is also emotional and deeply human. Behind every embryo is a story. Mental health support, peer networks, trauma-informed care are just as vital as medical interventions. Science as silent powerhouse Fertility care is

Clinicians are now trained to treat the whole person, not just the reproductive system. This shift from patient to partner humanises the experience and restores dignity to a process that can often feel isolating. 0 Technology for equity Artificial intelligence now helps identify viable embryos and genetic profiling enables personalised treatment. Yet, innovation must not become a tool of exclusivity. As advanced technologies become more accessible, we must ask – who gets access? Who defines what is “normal”? How do we prevent innovation from reinforcing social and economic divides? If left unchecked, scientific progress can deepen existing inequities. Technology must not only improve outcomes, but it must also promote fairness, equity and inclusion. 0 From patients to partners Fertility care is becoming more participatory. Individuals are no longer passive recipients of care plans, they are informed collaborators and advocates in their own journeys. This is particularly important in diverse societies such as Malaysia, where cultural, religious and family values influence medical decisions. Healthcare practitioners must be culturally competent and able to navigate complex dynamics

More people are delaying parenthood, while single-parent families by choice are on the rise. – ALL PICS FROM PEXELS

at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. Investing in the health and well-being of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future.” The authors of the commission’s report pointed out “investment in adolescent health will become increasingly important throughout the 21st century”. They added that: “As populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries, ensuring the health and well-being of adolescents will be crucial to all countries’ health and prosperity.” – Bernama-PA Media/dpa enough. But when paired with empathy and equity, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation. Parenthood today is shaped by science, choice and hope – no longer just biology or tradition. As we explore possibilities such as uterus transplants, gene editing, artificial gametes and digital platforms, we must ensure our advances serve all of humanity, not just the privileged. Despite the challenges, we are investing in education, awareness and conversations that normalise fertility as part of whole-person health. As a society, we must continue building systems that honour those journeys not just in clinics, but in policy, education and community support. The future of fertility is not only about creating life. It is about creating a world where everyone has the chance to belong, to hope, and to build the families they envision. This article is contributed by Taylor’s University School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences lecturer Dr Siroshini K Thiagarajan.

with sensitivity and clarity. 0 Future-ready education

George Washington University Commission co-chairwoman Professor Sarah Baird said: “The health and well being of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. “While tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. “Additionally, the challenges faced by the world’s adolescents are As fertility care evolves, so must our education system. Today’s challenges require interdisciplinary professionals who are not only technically skilled but also ethically aware, digitally literate and culturally sensitive. Education must reflect the real world complexity, preparing future practitioners not just to solve problems, but to prompt the right questions. Why this matters now We live in unpredictable times. Climate change, migration, pandemics and economic uncertainty all impact reproductive health. Fertility is not just a personal issue, it is a societal one. We need systems that are adaptable, informed by research, and rooted in compassion. We need policies that reflect lived realities and education that prepares us for the future. Fertility is a matter of justice, not everyone who dreams of becoming a parent has the opportunity. Science alone is not

Fertility care is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary.

Number of obese, overweight teenagers predicted to rise But the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing pointed out: “In terms of health risks, substance use (specifically tobacco and alcohol) has declined in every region.” wrote: “Adolescence can no longer be ignored. The time to act is now.” The authors of the report also highlighted how the shift towards a “more digital world” could have a “profound impact on young people’s future health and well-being”. entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,” they wrote. ALMOST half a billion teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030, experts predicted as they warned adolescent health is at a “tipping point”.

In a major new review of the health and wellbeing of adolescents, experts said some main drivers of ill-health among teenagers have switched from cigarettes and alcohol to weight gain and mental health problems. They warned mental health among teenagers has seen a “significant decline” over the past three decades, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis. And they projected that 464 million teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030 – 143 million more than in 2015.

The experts on the commission said action is needed to tackle threats to adolescents’ health and well-being. They warned progress in teenage health has “lagged well behind” the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children – with these benefits being at risk of being “undermined” with increased ill-health in teenagers. They added that current funding is “not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge”. They

But they warned against “overly restricting” access, saying there needs to be a balance, highlighting that the online world offers teenagers new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment and health promotion. Meanwhile, they pointed out this generation of teenagers is the first to grow up among harsher climate conditions. “Today’s adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their