Infertility affects tens of millions of people worldwide and is associated with substantial psychological distress, social stigma, gender-based violence, and economic vulnerability, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet infertility care remains marginal within global health agendas and is often treated as elective or non-essential. This omission reflects a narrow interpretation of reproductive health that fails to recognise involuntary childlessness as a substantial and preventable source of human suffering.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment has transformed the management of infertility. Since the first successful unstimulated cycle in 1978, treatment protocols have evolved, incorporating new concepts and technologies. A persistent drive is ongoing to improve pregnancy rates through diagnostic, technological, and clinical interventions, but these IVF add-ons are often introduced prematurely, without adequate risk–benefit evaluation. A parallel industry supporting these unproven add-ons is booming.

The renewed women's health strategy responds to the serious problem of gendered health inequalities.

Healthy life expectancy for women has fallen by 2.5 years between 2019–21 and 2022–24, faster than for men. In Hartlepool, one of England's most deprived areas, it stands at just 51.2 years for women.

Read about the key findings from a survey launched by CREATE Fertility, in conjunction with Cityparents (now WorkLife Central)

“A low-cost, simplified IVF system has been developed and shown to be safe, cost-effective, and widely applicable to low-resource settings.

In a piece for The House Magazine, Geeta wrote: "Women’s pain is too often dismissed, recorded as emotional, or misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Until we understand the underlying reasons behind this ‘medical misogyny’ and find practical solutions, the NHS reform agenda is doomed to fail."

Professor Geeta Nargund in the Daily Express on declining birth rates.

Following the announcement that the maternity and neonatal unit at Royal Free Hospital will be closing, Geeta covers the findings of the Economist Impact report and more in her solution-oriented analysis for Reaction. Prof Geeta Nargund

A week prior to the release of the NHS 10-year health plan, Geeta set out her vision for reform:

The creation of a national health innovation service...

Professor Geeta Nargund at The Pipeline argues that sexism is still rife in the City.