Alejandra Mendez: Implementing a Law for the Preservation of Fertility in Cancer Patients in Chile

Alejandra Mendez, Vice President of Childhood Cancer International, shared on LinkedIn:

“A group of health professionals and members of various civil society organizations sought to implement a Law for the Preservation of Fertility in Cancer Patients in Chile.
The possibility of being biological parents should be guaranteed for all those who are diagnosed with cancer. In many cases, the high toxicity of some cancer treatments can lead to fertility problems or infertility.

We know that Fertility Preservation is a gap that was incorporated into the National Cancer Plan, but we do not know what priority will be given to it. That is why we think it is important to advocate for this cause. We call on the authorities to consider the following proposals:

1. The medical team should discuss with the patient possible fertility problems before starting any cancer treatment.
2. Patients diagnosed with cancer (or their parents in the case of children) who are interested in preserving their fertility should be referred to a reproductive specialist before starting treatment.
3. Generate permanent public financing alternatives (GES coverage and/or FONASA coding) for this type of benefit, for patients of reproductive age, guaranteeing the possibility of preserving their fertility, through cutting-edge techniques: cryopreservation of eggs and sperm, or the preservation of ovarian and testicular tissue.”

Source: Alejandra Mendez/LinkedIn

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