Belarus may introduce a second free attempt at in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Since 2021, one attempt has been free for certain categories of patients. A meeting on the draft decree was held today by Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
The document предусматривает that women may be granted two free IVF attempts. Both married and single women would be eligible. Deputy Prime Minister Natallia Piatkevich said after the meeting that Lukashenka intends to sign the decree.
“It may not result in a huge number of children that would solve demographic problems on a global scale, but every child, every new citizen of Belarus, is a great happiness and a great joy,” she said.
According to her, the document is to be coordinated with the Belarusian Women’s Union so that opinions on the issue are gathered not only from medical professionals.
It was reported that over four years, 2,528 children have been born in Belarus thanks to the state-funded programme providing one free IVF attempt. It is available to married couples with medical indications, no contraindications, and where the wife is under 40 years old.
During the meeting, Lukashenka said the programme helps address demographic challenges.
“Of course, children are sacred. You know my attitude towards children. Therefore, as president, and you as my subordinates, we must do everything (and not only in the Year of Women) to ensure that a woman is happy. And what happiness does a woman have if she has no children? Children are the happiness of our women,” he said.
