Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer solutions to infertility, yet public understanding and acceptance vary widely. In Southeast Alabama, recent legal developments following the Alabama Supreme Court ruling giving frozen embryos similar rights to children have intensified debates around ART. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of women of reproductive age regarding ART and explore how demographic and experiential factors influence these views. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 144 women aged 16-45 residing in Southeast Alabama. The survey instrument, developed through literature review and expert consultation, included sections on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward ART. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 128, 89%) reported moderate familiarity with ART, though specific knowledge gaps were evident. For example, only (n = 37, 26%) of participants correctly identified IVF success rates for women over 40. While most of the women supported egg (n = 120, 83%) and sperm (n = 122, 85%) donation, fewer were comfortable with personal involvement in donation or surrogacy. Fertility issues and cost were the most cited factors influencing ART decisions. Support for federal funding was highest for individuals with medical infertility, with limited support for lifestyle-related delays. Christian participants and rural residents showed lower support for ART, while non-White and more educated women expressed greater acceptance. Most participants favored scientific consensus over religious or political bodies in determining the legal status of frozen embryos. CONCLUSIONS: Women in Southeast Alabama generally support ART but hold nuanced views shaped by personal, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. Knowledge gaps and ethical concerns on ART persist among women, underscoring the need for targeted education and policy efforts to improve informed decision-making and equitable access to fertility care.