Denmark expands free IVF to boost low birth rate
Since December, Danish couples wishing to expand their families with a second child can take advantage of free in vitro treatments. The new program aims to increase Denmark's low birth rate.
7:06 PM EST, December 2, 2024
The decision to expand funding for infertility treatment is the authorities' response to the problem of declining natural population growth. Until now, the state subsidized in vitro procedures only for couples trying to conceive their first child.
The introduction of free IVF for additional attempts fulfills a promise by Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. In her New Year's speech for 2024, she announced measures to increase the number of births.
There must be more of us; it is the state's duty to help with this – emphasized the Prime Minister.
The interest in in vitro treatments is expected to increase by 50 percent. In response to growing demand, nine infertility clinics are expanding their branches and hiring additional staff. Despite this, media reports highlight the potential for extended waiting times for the procedure, which currently lasts several months.
Denmark struggles with a low fertility rate, averaging less than 1.5 children per woman. To ensure a stable generational replacement, this rate should reach 2.1. The authorities hope that expanding the free IVF program will help improve this situation.
Since the birth of the first child conceived via in vitro in 1984, the popularity of this solution in Denmark has been steadily growing. However, despite the increased interest in assisted reproduction techniques, the overall number of births in the country continues to decline.
