Denmark's free IVF offer for second child sparks interest
Since December, Danish couples wishing to expand their family with a second child can benefit from free in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. This new programme aims to increase Denmark's low birth rate.
The decision to expand funding for infertility treatment is the authorities' response to the problem of declining natural population growth. Until now, the state subsidised in vitro procedures only for couples trying for their first child.
The introduction of free IVF for further attempts fulfils 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 in this – emphasised the Prime Minister, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
The interest in in vitro treatments is estimated to increase by 50 per cent. In response to the growing demand, nine infertility clinics are expanding their facilities and hiring additional staff. Despite this, the media highlights the possible extension of waiting times for the procedure, which currently lasts several months.
Denmark struggles with a low fertility rate, averaging fewer than 1.5 children per woman. To ensure simple generational replacement, this rate should reach 2.1. The authorities hope that expanding the free IVF programme will help improve this situation.
Since the birth of the first child conceived via in vitro in 1984, the popularity of this method 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.
