Updated recommendations for medically assisted reproductive activities during the SARS-COV-2 epidemic

In the current context of an evolving epidemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for Covid-19, the Agence de la biomédecine (French Biomedicine Agency) announces the updating of its recommendations concerning medically assisted procreation (MAP) activities. Drawn up in consultation with learned societies*, these recommendations are intended for all patients undergoing ART, whether or not they are infected with this virus.

At present, scientific data do not allow us to determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on early pregnancy. The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)** recommends caution in this context. In view of the widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in France, increasing the risk of contamination when patients travel, the benefit-risk ratio leads to the following recommendations: It is advisable to postpone clinical and biological MPA activities, whatever the technique (in vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer, artificial insemination, gamete donation, non-urgent fertility preservation). In the current context, it is recommended that age and diminished ovarian reserve should not be considered as an emergency requiring MPA, even though they are usually conditions for rapid treatment. For urgent fertility preservation (for oncological reasons): With regard to oocyte and germ tissue preservation, the current assessment of the benefit/risk ratio is not in favor of continuing this activity; it is therefore recommended, except in very special cases, not to carry it out. In the case of sperm conservation, the benefit/risk ratio is specific to each patient, establishment and epidemiological context, and may lead to the decision not to proceed. In this singular and evolving context, the present recommendations of the Agence de la biomédecine may be revised as necessary. *Recommendations drawn up in collaboration with the following professional societies:

Fédération nationale des biologistes des laboratoires d'étude de la fécondation et de la conservation de l'œuf (BLEFCO) Fédération nationale des centers d'étude et de conservation des œufs et du sperme humains (CECOS Federation) Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens de France (CNGOF) Fédération national des collèges de gynécologie médicale (FNCGM) Groupe d'étude pour le don d'ovocytes (GEDO) Groupe d'études sur la fécondation in vitro en France (GEFF) Groupe de recherche et d'études sur la cryoconservation ovarienne et testiculaire (GRECOT) Société de médecine de la reproduction (SMR) **ESHRE, March 14, 2020: https://www.eshre.eu/Press-Room/ESHRE-News#CoronaStatement27feb

Press contacts

bcw | burson cohn & wolfe Juliette Billaroch, : juliette.billaroch@bcw-global.com 06.26.28.40.11

Agence de la biomédecine Hélène Duguet : presse@biomedecine.fr 06.16.35.91.80