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Starting July 1, in vitro fertilization treatments for couples will be subsidized by the state, Minister of Health Bartosz Arłukowicz confirmed today at a press conference. The government program is expected to treat as many as 15,000 couples within the next three years. Refunds will be available to women under the age of 40. The program will cover up to three rounds of in vitro.

The move is controversial. Whether the state should subsidize in vitro fertilization in the state-run health program has been the subject of political debate for years. Conservatives are strongly opposed to the move, since in vitro fertilization procedures usually involve discarding embryos.

However, under the new program, viable embryos are to be stored until they are used. There is no word yet on what will happen to viable embryos that are not needed.

“The time when politicians discussed in vitro are over. Now it is professors who have begun to lead these talks,” said Mr Arłukowicz.

The program estimates the cost of one in vitro treatment at zł.7,500. The entire program, which is to be carried out between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2016 will cost nearly zł.250 million.

The list of clinics that will be authorized to perform subsidized in vitro procedures will be determined in a competition.

Beata Socha