Estonia considers raising age limit for state-funded IVF treatment
Estonia's Ministry of Social Affairs is discussing raising the age ceiling for publicly funded artificial insemination, currently set at 40. A separate agreed change will remove the marriage requirement for female partners, granting same-sex couples equal access.
The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs is planning to amend legislation on artificial insemination, including a possible increase in the age limit for state-funded treatment. Currently, the Health Insurance Fund covers artificial insemination only up to the age of 40.
Jelizaveta Ter-Minasjan, adviser at the ministry's healthcare services department, confirmed that discussions on expanding funding have begun. She stressed that any expansion decisions will be made in cooperation with professional associations and other stakeholders.
One change already approved and sent to the government is the expansion of rights for female partners. Under current rules, female partners must be married to undergo artificial insemination together. The new rules will remove this requirement, giving same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.
