Since publicly-funded Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) treatment was introduced in September 2023, close to 2,500 couples have been referred by Reproductive Specialist Consultants, and many have achieved their dream of starting a family, according to Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll McNeil.
Updated access criteria for state-funded assisted human reproduction treatment have been implemented from the end of June.
Couples with one existing child in their relationship, and who meet all other current access criteria, can now access publicly-funded AHR treatment including one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said, ”Fertility issues can be devastating, and I am conscious that secondary infertility is a significant issue, with many people facing huge financial and emotional difficulties in their attempts to have a second child. I have listened to the requests from parents in this difficult situation, and I am pleased that we are now in a position to make this potentially life-changing treatment available to more people.
“An extensive programme of work is ongoing in order to progress the legislation necessary to underpin AHR and to establish a regulatory authority. The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in July 2024. Its purpose is to regulate fertility clinics providing treatment such as in-vitro fertilisation and ensure that assisted human reproduction (AHR) practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.
Work is also well underway on a supplementary Bill to deal with issues such as parentage and citizenship in respect of surrogacy arrangements as well as donor-assisted conception.
