HIQA has today published a protocol and a review of publicly-funded services for donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) in selected countries. The aim of this review is to inform the consideration and development of a policy for publicly-funded services for DAHR in Ireland, through supporting the work of the Department of Health.

DAHR is any procedure that involves implanting an embryo into an individual’s womb using a sperm and or egg, or embryo provided by a donor. DAHR is used for many reasons, including infertility, where there is a high risk of inheriting a genetic disease or condition, and by same-sex couples or by single individuals who wish to have a child.

In its review, HIQA looked at the current practices and policies on DAHR in 10 countries.

Commenting on the findings, HIQA’s Deputy Director of Health Technology Assessment, Michelle O’Neill, said:

“In this review, we looked at the level of publicly-funded services for DAHR to see what is available and what policies are in place in different countries. We found that in most countries reviewed, DAHR treatments are at least partially publicly funded, which helps to reduce the financial burden on individuals wishing to access these services. Most countries also have similar eligibility criteria for DAHR as for other fertility treatments, such as IVF without donor materials.”

In the nine countries with publicly-funded DAHR, GP or consultant referral is required. In all 10 countries, the same governing body regulated both DAHR and publicly-funded fertility services without donor materials. All 10 countries had
legislation governing publicly-funded DAHR, and several countries legislated the number of times a donor can donate.

In most countries, donor materials (such as sperm, eggs or embryos) are typically obtained through licensed fertility clinics and gamete banks, and are often chosen by the treating healthcare professional, although some countries allow known donors.

Counselling and information are provided in all 10 selected countries.

HIQA’s review found that IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), using donor gametes or embryos, are typically partially or fully publicly funded for couples, and or individuals, in the countries examined. Eligibility criteria varied by country, with a number of factors including the availability of resources, ethical considerations and underpinning legislation impacting how, and what, services are provided.

ENDS

Notes for Editor:

• HIQA has today published the following documents:
  • Protocol for a scoping review of publicly-funded services for donor- assisted human reproduction in selected countries
  • A scoping review of publicly-funded services for donor-assisted human reproduction in selected countries.
• This review does not include surrogacy arrangements involving donated gametes or embryos.
• 10 countries were included in this review: Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, and Wales. These countries were selected as they are a combination of EU and non-EU countries, vary in terms of DAHR service provision, have a similar population size as Ireland, and or provide healthcare in a similar
  way to Ireland.
• Information examined included DAHR interventions available and eligible populations; funding; organisational aspects; donor material management; governance; counselling, communication and information provision; ethical and social considerations; and legislation.

About HIQA

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the independent body that promotes safety and quality in the provision of health and social care services in Ireland.

Through its regulation, standard setting and evidence to inform decision-making functions, HIQA supports health and social care services to consistently deliver excellent standards of care and the best possible health and social care outcomes for all.