Legislation underpinning assisted human reproduction is still not in place
Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall has called for additional funding to be allocated in next year’s Budget so that the eligibility criteria for assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment can be widened.
“Today’s announcement that publicly funded assisted human reproduction will commence from September is a welcome first step and brings long awaited clarity to the situation.
“However, the €10 million set aside for AHR in Budget 2023 will not be sufficient to cater for the expected demand for State-funded fertility treatments. As currently set out, the eligibility criteria is very restrictive and more funding will be required to allow the scheme to be expanded.
“In addition, the legislation underpinning the model of care for fertility treatments – the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill – must be taken through the Oireachtas without delay to allow eligibility criteria for the scheme to be open to a wider number of intending parents.”
July 25, 2023