1. SOS Infertilitatea
Press Conference
Results of the In Vitro Fertilization
and Embryo Transfer Subprogram
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

2. About us
• The only non-profit organization in Romania supporting the persons
affected by infertility since 2008
• Acting in the area of medically assisted reproduction and adoption
• Made up only of volunteers
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

3. The Romanian Context - June 2011
• The In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Subprogram
begins for the first time in Romania (As consequence of the
advocacy campaign developed by SOS Infertilitatea)
• The Ministry of Health develops and finances it (with the
participation of SOS Infertilitatea Association in the
commission for approving the files)
• The Subprogram was intended for a two-year term
(2011 - 2012)
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

4. The Romanian Context - July 2012
• 1,133 files are approved but the funds granted to the
Subprogram are over
• Receiving and approving the files continues, but they
remain in standby until the 2013 budget will be
approved, IF the Subprogram will continue
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

5. October 29, 2012 - The Press conference
The objectives:
 to present a synthesis of the results acquired after the
development of the Subprogram during the first 15 months of
existence
 to bring into discussion the need and importance
for continuing this Subprogram that changed destinies
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

6. Participants
• over 35 journalists (much over the expected number!)
• 10 physicians and embryologists from the IVF clinics and from the
Subprogram commission
• a couple of patients that defeated infertility, after 12 years of waiting,
with the support of the Subprogram – with their baby daughter
• members and volunteers of SOS Infertilitatea
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

7. We presented - The results of the Subprogram
In October 2012 (according to the data
supplied by the clinics) it was estimated:
• Almost 100 babies were born
• Some other 150 women were pregnant
at that time, in their 2nd and 3rd trimester
• To these were added the recent, 1st
trimester pregnancies that were not
centralized yet
• As well as the couples that had the files
approved but the procedures
were not made
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

8. Costs of event = 250 E
(transport and ceremonial / buffet for the journalists)
• The hall - available to us free of charge
• The presentation materials - designed and printed at no cost
• Structuring and organizing the press conference –
implemented only by the volunteers of SOS Infertilitatea
Association
• The event had no sponsors / supporting trade companies
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

9. Mass media coverage
Unexpected strong impact!
• The news concerning the press conference and the results of the Subprogram -
broadcasted on six national TV channels in prime time (during the evening
news)
• At least four Romanian radio stations
• Six press articles (among which a vast two-page article in a national daily
newspaper)
• And the National press agency, taken over by tens of online articles
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

10. Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

11. Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

12. Follow-up
• Our volunteers made video recordings, posted on
our website and on the social networks
• A written document that comprises a mass media
coverage synthesis was officially submitted to the
office of the Minister of Health and to the attention
of other decision makers
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

13. What we learned
The testimony of the couple and the cuteness of the
baby were the key to success!
• Without their presence, the press conference
would have been an event just like many others
• Thanks to them, we only had positively
presented news that had a great emotional
impact
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

14. 2013
• The Subprogram is still standing by - we
are waiting for the budget of the Ministry
of Health to be allotted to national health
programs and we are hoping that the
Subprogram will continue
• LATER EDIT, 6th of March: Yes! Was
announced by our Government the
Subprogram for 2013 and 2014, we wait
for the budget
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland

15. Thank you!
Fertility Europe Spring Meeting, 21st-22nd
of March 2013 Warsaw, Poland