Polarization and Flexibility in Attitudes Toward Assisted Reproduction: A Vignette Study

While delayed parenthood and medical advancements have increased the utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) across Europe, existing studies largely treat infertility as a medical issue, overlooking its socially constructed nature. This gap is problematic in light of the growing societal and political debates around ART, which resemble other polarized, partisan ethical issues. This paper examines attitudes toward ART, with a focus on Italy—a country traditionally known for conservative family norms, yet where ART use has become more widespread in recent years. We employ a factorial survey experiment within a nationally representative, quota-controlled survey in which respondents evaluate vignettes describing fictitious couples facing infertility and rate, on a 0–10 scale, whether they should pursue ART. Descriptive results reveal polarized attitudes toward ART use: approximately 15% of responses in our sample are strongly in favor, while about 10% are strongly opposed. Nonetheless, our findings also indicate that certain characteristics of the fictitious couples—such as having tried to conceive for over a year and advanced maternal age—positively influence support for ART. In contrast, heterologous treatments, going abroad, and being already a parent are generally associated with more negative attitudes. By demonstrating that views on ART are both polarized and fluid, shaped by the socio-demographic circumstances surrounding each couple, this study provides a foundation for future research on ART in contemporary aging societies.