Government expands free IVF scheme to couples struggling to conceive their second child

The free IVF scheme is being extended

From today, 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). 

Minister Carroll MacNeill stated:

"Since we introduced publicly-funded Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) treatment 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.

"Fertility issues can be devastating, and I am conscious that secondary infertility is a significant issue."

Minister Carroll MacNeill acknowledged that people are facing financial and emotional difficulties in their attempts to have a second child

"I have listened to the requests from parents in this difficult situation."

"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 AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.

Work is also 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. 

You can view the full criteria for the free IVF scheme below:

The Body Mass Index (BMI) must fall within the range of 18.5 – 30.0 if you are a woman.

The birth mother should be within the age range of 40 years plus 364 days at the time of referral to the Regional Fertility Hub.

The maximum age for male partners seeking treatment is 59 years plus 364 days.

Publicly funded treatment is available for individuals who have undergone a maximum of one previous IVF cycle. They must use all embryos created during that cycle.

Couples or individuals will not be eligible for publicly funded treatment if either partner/individual has undergone voluntary sterilisation. This includes a vasectomy or blocking, or sealing fallopian tubes.

Couples applying for the scheme must be in a relationship for at least one year before applying.

A maximum of two intending parents will be considered for a child born through treatment.

Donor programmes will not be accessible in the September 2023 rollout for heterosexual, same-sex couples or single female patients. However, it’s important to note that this will still be available privately.