Cystic Fibrosis Ireland welcomes recent statement of Government plans to support IVF Treatment in 2023

CFI urges early clarification on the proposed extent of public health support for IVF Treatment in Ireland

CFI further advocates for the urgent enactment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland welcomes the announcement this week by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD that IVF treatment will be funded ‘next year’.

This was a key advocacy priority in the very recent '65 Roses’ Awareness Campaign by CFI.

Both men and women with Cystic Fibrosis often need the assistance of IVF to commence a family. Such treatment can cost €6,000 and upwards for every round of therapy and couples may need 4 or 5 rounds or more before they are successful.  Ireland is the last country in the EU without government support for IVF. 

According to a CFI survey undertaken in 2017, around a quarter of adults with CF now have families of their own and we know others may aspire to this basic human right, but cannot afford the very high costs associated with IVF. 

Philip Watt, CEO of CFI stated ‘while we welcome the promise of government support for IVF treatment in Ireland next year, we call for clarification on the extent and type of support being provided and the urgent need to enact the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022.