Poland is high on the list and that's a reason to be proud. We are at the forefront in infertility treatment in Europe. As doctors say, “from the Dark Middle Ages we have jumped into the modern world.” All thanks to state in vitro reimbursement.
From the tail end of Europe, Poland has entered the forefront of countries with the best access to infertility treatment. – This is turning the situation upside down – emphasizes prof. Rafał Kurzawa, president of the Polish Society of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology. – We have jumped in the ranking, but we have also jumped from the Dark Middle Ages to the modern world, modern medicine – adds Prof. Michał Radwan from the “Gameta” Infertility Treatment Clinic.
Three years ago, Poland was in a disastrous third place from the bottom. In the latest European ranking of availability of infertility treatment, Poland advanced by as many as 22 places. It was distinguished in yellow and was placed next to countries such as Norway and Great Britain.
– The interesting thing is that we are an absolutely unrivaled model, for example for Germany – notes prof. Rafał Kurzawa.
Access to infertility treatment in PolandAtlas of Fertility Treatment Policies in Europe
What influenced Poland's position?
We were a disastrous example when the Law and Justice government, in the vanguard of modern medicine, eliminated in vitro reimbursement.
– It was a shame for Poland that we are a country that does not care about, colloquially speaking, children being born in Poland – comments Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, MEP of the New Left, vice-chairman of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights.
Almost seven thousand children have been born since June, i.e. since – by decision of the Sejm of the new term – the state has been financing infertility treatment for its citizens. – These are very expensive, extremely highly specialized, innovative procedures. Few couples can afford such a procedure – emphasizes Izabela Leszczyna, Minister of Health and MP from the Civic Coalition.
Poland's good place in the latest ranking is due to state reimbursement, which is clearly assessed positively by both patient organizations and experts. – The best reimbursement program in Europe and one of the best in the world – says prof. Michael Radwan.
Success of the government in vitro program. “The interest is huge”Katarzyna Czupryńska-Chabros/Fakty po Południu TVN24
Great interest in the program
Poland scored points for public financing, good regulations and the fact that they were created together with experts and the public. – It is very accessible, very inclusive, and can be used by almost anyone who needs in vitro treatment – explains Marta Górna from the Association for Infertility Treatment and Adoption Support “Nasz Bocian”.
So far, over 20,000 couples have qualified for it. – After the program comes into force, the interest is enormous – emphasizes prof. Michael Radwan.
Couples come to the clinics who have not been there before. – Those couples who were particularly excluded back then, younger women and younger men, who do not have a good financial situation at the beginning of their professional career – gives the example of prof. Rafał Kurzawa.
Some work is still needed for Poland to stand out in green in the next ranking. This concerns regulations regarding embryo donation and access to treatment for same-sex couples and single women. – At the moment, it's not that they don't have reimbursement, they don't have the right – points out Anita Fincham from the Fertility Europe Association.
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