Press Statement from Frances Fitzgerald MEP
Tuesday 27th September 2022
Fitzgerald welcomes the announcement of state-funded supports for IVF for Irish women in Budget 2023
"This is something I have long called for, including last year at the launch of the European Atlas of Fertility Treatment Policies which showed that Ireland came an abysmal 40th place out of 43 European countries examined, coming behind Belarus and Turkey. Despite Ireland making some progress on reproductive health issues in recent years, our placement is very worrying but reflective of the current situation for Irish people.
Across Europe governments are funding IVF treatment, supporting couples and families to deal with infertility. The vast majority of EU countries fund a number of IVF sessions, whereas Ireland currently funds none. I am glad to see that this is finally changing. The European Parliament as early as 2008 called on the Member States to “ensure the right of couples to universal access to fertility treatment. I hope to see this funding put in place as soon as possible, Irish couples and families need access to such services and treatments without delay."
ENDS
