Lay summary
Pacific peoples access assisted reproductive technologies (ART) at lower rates than other ethnicities in Āotearoa, NZ, despite experiencing higher levels of infertility. There is little data regarding uptake of ART by Pacific peoples, and insufficient knowledge about their lived experiences and perceptions of infertility and ART. This study will use a mixed methods approach incorporating talanoa with participants from diverse Pacific cultures who have experience with infertility and ART. Following recent criticisms that body mass index (BMI) cut-offs for publicly funded ART cycles are a potential source of inequity, this research will develop an in vitro ovarian follicle culture model to evaluate the direct effects of lipids, as opposed to BMI, on specific ART outcomes. This team, led by two emerging Pacific researchers, will address key knowledge gaps and identify how ART can better serve Pacific people in Āotearoa, NZ.