LETTER | Parenthood is no longer confined by biology, age, or tradition. With scientific breakthroughs, shifting social norms, and 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, according to the World Health Organization. Behind that statistic 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, 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. As the landscape of fertility shifts, can our healthcare systems keep up?

Science as a silent powerhouse

Fertility care is 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 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.

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, and trauma-informed care are just as vital as medical interventions. 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.

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’s “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.

Fertility’s evolution

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 like Malaysia, where cultural, religious and family values influence medical decisions.

Healthcare practitioners must be culturally competent and able to navigate complex dynamics with sensitivity and clarity.

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.

Unpredictable times

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 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 that 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.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.