Funding of assisted reproduction measures

Couples in Germany experiencing involuntary childlessness can be significantly relieved through a subsidy for reproductive medical treatments. Funding is provided for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from the first to the fourth treatment cycle. Depending on the treatment status and marital status, the federal government together with the respective federal state covers up to 12.5% or up to 25% of the remaining personal share of the treatment costs. The support is paid out as a direct grant and represents an ongoing funding opportunity, so applications can be submitted at any time. This form of financial assistance facilitates access to modern reproductive technologies and enables couples to pursue their desire to have children under optimal conditions.

A prerequisite for approval is a primary residence in Germany, the use of a domestic reproductive facility, as well as medically diagnosed infertility with an attested prospect of success according to § 27a SGB V. Additionally, there is an age limit of 25 to 40 years for women and 25 to 50 years for men. The funding requires that the respective federal state co-finances the subsidy at least to the same extent, although state-specific criteria may vary. Applicants submit their application to the competent authority of their place of residence – in Saxony, the BAFzA handles the application processing. Through the combination of federal and state funds, a comprehensive support system is created that offers involuntarily childless couples a realistic chance of starting a family.