Last week, Andrzej Duda, the President of Poland, endorsed a bill that sanctions public funding for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. He also revealed plans to introduce a bill in early January that extends public financing to encompass alternative infertility treatments
The bill, originating from a civic initiative and enacted on November 29, mandates that the Ministry of Health allocates a minimum of PLN 500 million (EUR 115.24 million) annually for this purpose. The President’s Office clarified that Duda’s decision to sign the bill took into account ethical concerns expressed by some individuals about the treatment. Despite receiving a letter from the head of the Polish Episcopal Conference urging him to either veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Tribunal, Duda opted to approve it.
Cognizant of demographic challenges and aspiring to offer equitable opportunities to those grappling with infertility, Duda chose to endorse the bill. Furthermore, he announced plans to introduce a draft law in early 2024, ensuring public financing for a broader array of infertility solutions. A session of the presidential Health Care Council, scheduled for early 2024, will be dedicated to the development of this proposed legislation, according to the President’s Office.
