Varadkar promises publicly funded fertility treatment

IVF and other fertility treatments are to be provided in the public health service for the first time, according to Minister for Health Leo Varadkar.

Mr Varadkar said it was his intention to provide public funding for assisted human reproductive treatment in conjunction with the planned introduction of legislation in this area.

“I believe it is important that we should consider how best to provide public funding for fertility treatment in tandem with closing the current legislative gap in this area of healthcare. Fertility treatments should be funded in such a way that not only maximises efficiency but which ensures equity of access as well,” he said.

The provision of public funding must be accompanied by a robust system of legal governance to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of patients and especially the children born as a result of any treatment, he said.

In February 2015, the Government gave the go-ahead for the drafting of legislation on assisted human reproduction. A general scheme of the Bill is due to be published in the first half of this year.

The Department of Health is commissioning a review of how other countries publicly fund fertility treatments. The Minister said this review will inform policy here.

“The ability to conceive a child naturally is a normal human expectation and a diagnosis of infertility can be a source of emotional distress, physical discomfort and financial hardship,” he said.

While fertility treatment is not provided in the public health service, tax relief on medical expenses is available.