Rules and Regulations. Notice of availability and request for public comment

Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Action: Notice of availability and request for public comment
Citation: FR Doc. 2012-11774 · Docket No. CDC-2012-0004

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is publishing this notice requesting public comment on the draft National Public Health Action Plan for the Detection, Prevention, and Management of Infertility. The draft plan can be found at http://www.regulations.gov Docket No. CDC-2012-0004. Also found in the docket is a supporting document for reference, the Outline for a National Action Plan for the Prevention, Detection, and Management of Infertility, which was subsequently developed into the present Plan.

Dates

Written comments must be received on or before June 15, 2012.

Supplementary Information

In 2007, a CDC-wide ad hoc workgroup formed to examine the full scope of infertility activities across the agency. This workgroup conducted an assessment to identify gaps and opportunities in public health surveillance, research, communications, programs, and policy development, which led to the 2010 publication of a white paper outlining the need for a national plan, with a public health focus, on infertility prevention, detection, and management. In consultation with many governmental and nongovernmental partners, CDC developed the National Public Health Action Plan for the Detection, Prevention and Management of Infertility. Addressing both male and female infertility, the plan outlines and summarizes actions needed to promote, preserve, and restore the ability of women in the United States to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, and deliver a healthy infant. This goal extends beyond simply addressing the inability to conceive but also focuses on reducing the burden of impaired fecundity by promoting behaviors that maintain fertility; by promoting prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions; and by reducing environmental and occupational threats to fertility. Given the public health focus of this action plan, promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes associated with treating and managing infertility is also important, as is improving the efficacy and safety of infertility treatment. The document is organized into three chapters: “Detection of Infertility,” “Prevention of Infertility,” and “Management of Infertility.” Each chapter addresses the topic's public health importance, existing challenges, and opportunities for action to decrease the impact of infertility on the public's health. The suggested opportunities provide federal and other government agencies, professional and consumer organizations, and other partners and stakeholders a foundation and platform to work together to decrease the burden of infertility in the United States. Dated: May 9, 2012. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012-11774 Filed 5-15-12; 8:45 am]