What countries have banned IVF?

 The main reasons cited for banning IVF include:

• The belief that life begins at conception, so destroying embryos is considered murder
• Worries about the moral status of embryos and the “dignity” of human life
• Desire to limit the creation of “excess” embryos that may be discarded
• Restrictions on who can access IVF, such as single women, unmarried couples, or same-sex couples
• Lack of regulation and oversight of the fertility industry

Read more:  Best IVF centers in Iran

Below, we discussed some countries, the specific situations that have been banned, and the reasons behind these bans.

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica was the only country that banned IVF from 2000 to 2016. In 2012, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that the ban violated the human rights to private and family life, establishing a family, and non-discrimination.

Costa Rica legalized IVF in 2015 after the Inter-American Court ruling. Challenges remain around funding, legal issues like surrogacy, and defining medical indications for IVF.

Read more: Traveling for IVF: What to expect and how to prepare?

2. Austria 

Austria has a comprehensive ban on both egg and sperm donation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The Austrian Procreation Act prohibits the use of donor gametes, allowing only homologous methods, which means IVF can only be performed using the couple’s eggs and sperm. 

The rationale behind this ban includes concerns about the potential for “unusual relationships” arising from the separation of biological and social parenthood, which the government argues could adversely affect the well-being of children born through such methods.

The European Court of Human Rights upheld this ban, stating that while the right to conceive is protected under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Austria’s restrictions are justified due to the ethical and moral complexities surrounding assisted reproduction.

The Court recognized that the legislation reflects a cautious approach to a rapidly evolving field of medical science, where the long-term consequences of such practices still need to be fully understood. The Austrian government also expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, in the context of gamete donation.

Read more: IVF success rate in Iran

3. Italy

Italy similarly prohibits all forms of egg and sperm donation for IVF. The Italian law restricts fertility treatments to heterosexual couples who are married or in a stable relationship. The rationale for these restrictions includes the belief that allowing gamete donation could lead to the exploitation of women and a weakening of traditional family structures.

 The Italian government argues that the integrity of the family unit must be preserved and that the use of donor gametes could complicate the biological and social aspects of parenthood.

In recent years, there have been legal challenges to these restrictions. Still, the Italian courts have upheld the ban, citing the need to protect the rights of children and the moral implications of assisted reproductive technologies. Critics argue that these laws are outdated and discriminatory, particularly against single women and same-sex couples who seek access to fertility treatments.

Read more: Avicenna Infertility Center in Iran, Tehran

4. Germany 

Germany and Norway have a more nuanced approach, allowing sperm donation but banning egg donation. In Germany, the law permits sperm donation for artificial insemination but prohibits egg donation to prevent what the government perceives as ethical dilemmas and potential exploitation of women. The rationale includes concerns about the commodification of human life and the complexities that arise from splitting biological and social parenthood.

Read more: How Many IVF Clinics Are There in Iran

5. Norway

Norway shares similar concerns and has opted to restrict egg donation while allowing sperm donation, focusing on protecting the welfare of children and maintaining traditional family structures. Both countries emphasize the need for caution in the evolving landscape of reproductive technologies, reflecting a broader trend in Europe where ethical considerations often precede individual reproductive rights.

Read more: Armaghan Infertility Center in Mashhad, Iran

• Sunni Muslim Nations

These countries typically allow IVF only between married couples using their sperm and eggs, thereby prohibiting the use of donor gametes. The rationale behind this restriction is rooted in religious beliefs that prioritize traditional family structures and discourage practices that could lead to complex family dynamics or the commodification of human life. 

The emphasis is on maintaining the sanctity of marriage and ensuring that children are born within the confines of a recognized familial structure.

Read more: Shiraz Fertility Center in Shiraz, Iran

If you do not recognize Sunni Muslims, we said some of the most known of them include:

6. Egypt:

As a leading country in IVF within the Sunni Muslim context, Egypt has established clear guidelines that align with religious teachings. The government has numerous IVF clinics that adhere to the fatwas prohibiting third-party donations, ensuring that all procedures are conducted within the bounds of Islamic law.

Read more: Royan Infertility Center in Iran

7. Saudi Arabia: 

Similar to Egypt, Saudi Arabia prohibits any form of gamete donation. The legal framework is strict, and violations can result in severe penalties. The emphasis remains on using the couple’s gametes for any reproductive technologies.

Read more: Amin Infertility Clinic in Iran

8. Jordan: 

Jordan has also adopted the Sunni Islamic stance on IVF, allowing only the use of the couple’s gametes. The country has seen a rise in IVF clinics that comply with these religious and legal guidelines, catering to married couples seeking assistance with infertility.

Read more: Iran’s medical tourism statistics

Countries Where IVF is Legal

After discussing the topic” What countries have banned IVF?” Let’s discuss countries that have simpler legal processes for undergoing it. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is legal in many countries, but the regulations and access to services vary significantly. Below is an overview of some countries where IVF is legal and crucial details about their rules and practices.

Read more: egg sperm and embryo donation

• Israel

Israel is known for having the highest rate of IVF procedures in the world, with approximately 1,657 procedures performed per million people annually. The Israeli government provides funding for IVF treatments for couples without children, covering up to two children. This funding is also available for single parents who are raising children. The legal framework supports individuals aged 18 to 45, making IVF widely accessible. The Health Ministry invests significantly in these services, with an average cost of around $3,450 per procedure.

• Sweden

In Sweden, IVF treatments are government-subsidized for individuals under 40 who do not have children. The number of subsidized treatments can vary by county, but typically, one to three cycles are covered. Sweden’s regulations also allow single individuals and same-sex couples to access IVF and embryo adoption is permitted. Private clinics offer additional services for those not qualified for government support.

Read more: In Vitro Maturation in Iran

• Spain

Spain is recognized for its high-quality IVF services and has the highest success rates in Europe. Since 2006, Spanish law has allowed access to fertility treatments for all women, including single women and same-sex couples. The country permits anonymous sperm, egg, and embryo donation, making it a popular destination for international patients seeking IVF. The average cost of IVF in Spain ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per cycle, depending on the clinic and specific treatments required.

Read more: Intrauterine Insemination in Iran

• Turkey

Turkey has become a hub for medical tourism, including IVF treatment, due to its competitive pricing and modern facilities. However, the law restricts IVF to heterosexual couples using their own gametes, prohibiting donor eggs or sperm. The average cost of IVF in Turkey is between $2,500 and $4,500. While the country offers affordable options, patients should be cautious about the varying quality of clinics.

Read more: ICSI in Iran

• India

India has seen a rise in fertility tourism, offering lower costs than Western countries. IVF is legal, but the use of sex selection techniques is banned under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, passed in December 2021, aims to regulate IVF services, including sperm and egg banks. However, accessibility remains challenging due to low awareness and high costs for many couples.

Read more: Ovulation Induction in Iran

• Iran

Iran has a unique stance on IVF within the Muslim world. While sperm donation is banned, the country allows the donation of both fertilized and unfertilized eggs. Fertilized eggs can be donated from married couples to other married couples, while unfertilized eggs may be donated under a temporary marriage arrangement (mut’ah). In Iran, under specific legal conditions, surrogacy is permitted for foreign parents too.

This legal framework reflects a more complex approach to assisted reproductive technologies in a predominantly Islamic context.

Want to know a secret? Iran offers affordable IVF services(when the IVF process is costly in other countries), making it an excellent option for couples looking for cost-effective fertility treatments.

IranHealthAgency is a medical tourism company in Iran that helps you do infertility treatment without any problems.  

Read more: Surrogacy in Iran

We help you in: 

• Expertise in Fertility Treatments:

1. 1. • Iran Health Agency collaborates with highly skilled and well-educated fertility specialists who have gained international recognition. These specialists are capable of performing a wide range of fertility treatments, including IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), donor eggs, and surrogacy.

• Affordable and High-Quality Services:

1. 1. • The cost of fertility treatments in Iran is significantly lower compared to many Western countries. Despite the lower costs, the quality of care remains high, making Iran an attractive option for those seeking affordable yet effective fertility treatments.

• Comprehensive Packages:

1. 1. • Iran Health Agency offers comprehensive packages that include medical procedures and other necessary services such as hotel accommodations, transportation, and follow-up care. This ensures a hassle-free experience for patients.

• Safe and Hospitable Environment:

1. 1. • Iran is generally considered safe for tourists, including medical tourists. The country is known for its warm and welcoming culture, which makes medical travel more comfortable and enriching.

• Modern Facilities and Technology:

1. 1. • Iran’s healthcare facilities, including those associated with the Iran Health Agency, are modern and well-equipped. They use advanced medical technologies and are staffed by highly skilled professionals.

• Language Support:

1. • Many hospitals and clinics in Iran, including those partnered with Iran Health Agency, offer multilingual services. English is widely spoken, and translators are available, ensuring language barriers do not hinder the treatment process.

Final thought: 

The topic “  What countries have banned IVF?” helps you determine IVF’s legality and your options. If your country has banned some IVF processes, you can do them in other countries without breaking the law. 

If you want to know about the legality of IVF in Iran, contact us to discuss this further!  

Read more: IVF in Iran