Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Founder of Seeds of Innocens and a leading gynaecologist and fertility specialist, has stressed the urgent need for accessible and inclusive fertility care in India as the country faces a concerning drop in fertility rates.
Speaking at an event organised in Delhi on Friday to mark World IVF Day, Dr. Agarwal also drew the attention of the audience to the potential of tech-driven solutions such as Home IVF to help bridge crucial gaps in reproductive healthcare.
Seeds of Innocens, under Dr. Agarwal’s leadership, recently launched Home IVF—an at-home fertility care platform that seeks to make assisted reproduction more accessible and adaptable for patients across India and beyond.
She highlighted that the country’s fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), falling below the replacement level of 2.1.
Dr. Agarwal said this decline indicates deeper social, economic, and healthcare challenges. While awareness around assisted reproduction has risen steadily in urban centres, access remains highly unequal, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where many couples still face logistical, financial, and social hurdles when seeking fertility treatment.
“Through Home IVF, we aim to change this narrative,” Dr. Agarwal said. “The platform decentralises and personalises the fertility journey. Couples can begin and manage treatment largely from the comfort of their homes, supported by a system that combines digital tools with clinical oversight. From virtual consultations and customised treatment plans to home-based hormone injections and diagnostic tracking, it allows patients to access care without compromising medical rigour.”
Citing real-life examples, Dr. Agarwal shared how the Home IVF model is already making a tangible difference. “We have seen the transformative impact of the Home IVF model. One woman from West Champaran in Bihar conceived twins through the platform with minimal visits to the clinic. This approach empowers patients who face mobility challenges, social hesitation, or live far from fertility centres,” she said.
Dr. Agarwal noted that the model is also resonating strongly with working couples in metro cities, international patients, and individuals opting for egg freezing or delayed parenthood. She emphasised that more people now demand fertility care that is not only effective but also private, flexible, and aligned with modern lifestyles.
She also spoke about the importance of early-stage genetic testing in ensuring healthier reproductive outcomes. “Early-stage genetic testing—particularly for conditions like beta-thalassemia—is enabling couples to make informed reproductive choices and prevent the transmission of hereditary disorders,” Dr. Agarwal said.
Highlighting the commitment of Seeds of Innocens to comprehensive reproductive care, she mentioned that the organisation offers genetic counselling and carrier detection services for conditions such as thalassemia. “This screening ensures that couples are better equipped to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to take preventive steps where possible,” she said.
The Home IVF platform features virtual reproductive counselling, remote monitoring, at-home semen analysis, and AI-based support through a digital assistant called Doctor IVF.
These mentioned features reflect the growing trend of tech-enabled healthcare facilities in India, which has seen a landmark shift since the pandemic i.e COVID-19. Tools such as ovulation tracking devices and self-insemination kits, combined with or without professional guidance, have extended the reach of care far beyond traditional clinical environments.
“Technology is playing a transformative role in making fertility care more patient-centric. Patients are increasingly seeking privacy and convenience without compromising on medical standards. Our AI-powered Home IVF model removes barriers such as stigma and distance, bringing fertility care within reach for many who might otherwise forgo treatment,” Dr. Agarwal said.
Dr. Agarwal also believes that blending medical expertise paired with digital innovation can overall reshape how fertility facility under the umbrella of healthcare is delivered, meeting patients where they are both geographically and emotionally.
Seeds of Innocens, through initiatives like Home IVF, aims to support couples across the country, empowering them with tools, knowledge, and access to high-quality fertility care regardless of location or social barriers.
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