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Over 2000 babies born in pilot IVF programme

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 01.07.2015 18:10
Poland's heath ministry has revealed that 2287 babies have been born so far as a result of the government's pilot IVF programme that was launched exactly two years ago.
Photo: GlowimagesPhoto: Glowimages

“This is a huge success,” commented Deputy Health Minister Igor Radziewicz-Winnicki.

“By now it seems that no one has any more doubts that the children born using this method are healthy, normal, likeable, smiling children who don't have any defects,” he added.

Although new legislation was passed in Poland's lower house of parliament last month allowing couples access to state-funded IVF treatment, the pilot programme was originally introduced without a bill being brought to parliament.

The preliminary programme, which began on 1 July 2013, was created owing to a loophole in the law by which IVF was classified as an ordinary medical procedure such as a tonsillectomy.

Owing to the initial drive, a series of state-approved clinics were cleared to carry out IVF treatment, with reimbursement provided by the state.

At present, over 15,000 couples are in the process of having treatment and about 5000 more have qualified to take part. The programme is due to run until July 2016.

Meanwhile, last month's bill on IVF has yet to go through the Senate, after which it is due to be signed by outgoing president Bronisław Komorowski.

Conservative opposition party Law and Justice voted overwhelmingly against the bill, and the Church has likewise condemned the legislation..

President-elect Andrzej Duda, who was Law and Justice's candidate, is due to be sworn in on 6 August. Duda was among those who signed a draft bill brought forward by Law and Justice in 2012 that stipulated that those carrying out the treatment could be given prison sentences of up to two years. (nh)

Source: PAP

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