Fertility treatments like IVF, egg freezing, and sperm or egg donation are subject to widely varying laws across different countries. Some nations have progressive, inclusive policies that make fertility care accessible to a broad range of patients, while others impose strict regulations based on age, marital status, or donor anonymity rules.
For those seeking IVF or egg freezing abroad, understanding fertility laws in different countries is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore how global fertility regulations shape access to care, covering donor anonymity, embryo freezing, LGBTQ+ access, and more.
1. Countries with the Most Accessible Fertility Laws
Certain countries have established progressive, patient-friendly fertility laws that allow for greater accessibility and inclusivity. These nations often have highly regulated, safe, and successful fertility programs that cater to both domestic and international patients.
Top Destinations for Accessible Fertility Care:
Spain – One of the most popular fertility destinations, Spain offers anonymous egg and sperm donation, has no legal restrictions on single women or same-sex couples, and has high success rates.
Greece – Allows IVF for women up to age 54, permits donor anonymity, and has a strongly regulated yet affordable fertility sector.
Portugal – Has some of the most inclusive fertility laws in Europe, granting access to IVF for same-sex female couples and single women.
Denmark – A leader in sperm donation, Denmark allows non-anonymous donors, offers LGBTQ+ and single-parent access, and is home to one of the world’s largest sperm banks.
Czech Republic – Features affordable, high-quality IVF and donor egg programs with anonymous donation, making it a top destination for international patients.
Each of these countries has fertility-friendly laws that prioritize patient access, high-quality care, and ethical oversight.
2. Donor Anonymity: Open vs. Anonymous Donation
One of the biggest legal differences between countries is whether egg and sperm donors remain anonymous or if recipients and children have the right to know their identity.
Anonymous Donation: Used in Spain, Greece, and the Czech Republic, where donors remain unidentified, and recipients have no access to their personal details.
Open (Non-Anonymous) Donation: Common in the U.K., Sweden, Germany, and Australia, where donor-conceived children can access their biological donor’s identity when they turn 18.
How Does This Affect Fertility Treatment?
Anonymous donation tends to increase donor availability, making egg donation cycles quicker and more affordable.
Non-anonymous systems often have fewer donors, leading to longer wait times or higher costs.
For those undergoing IVF with donor eggs or sperm, choosing a destination with the right donor laws is essential.
3. Embryo Freezing and Storage Laws
Laws on embryo freezing and long-term storage also vary by country. Some nations allow embryos to be stored indefinitely, while others impose strict time limits.
No Time Limits on Storage: Spain, Greece, and the U.S. allow patients to store embryos indefinitely.
Limited Storage Duration: In the U.K., embryos can be stored for up to 55 years (with renewals), while France limits storage to 10 years.
Restrictions on Use: Some countries, like Italy and Germany, have historically restricted the number of embryos that can be created or frozen during IVF, though regulations have become more flexible in recent years.
These laws impact patients considering embryo banking or delaying pregnancy through frozen embryo transfers (FETs).
4. LGBTQ+ and Single Parent Access to Fertility Treatment
Fertility laws often determine who is legally eligible for IVF and donor conception. While many countries welcome single parents and LGBTQ+ couples, others restrict access to heterosexual married couples.
Countries That Offer Inclusive Fertility Care:
✅ Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the U.K., and Canada all allow IVF, egg donation, and sperm donation for same-sex female couples and single women.
✅ The Netherlands and Belgium also provide legal protections for same-sex couples undergoing fertility treatment.
Countries with More Restrictive Policies:
❌ France (until 2021) previously restricted IVF to heterosexual couples, though the law has since changed.
❌ Germany, Austria, and Switzerland still limit egg donation, making it difficult for older women or those with fertility issues to access donor eggs.
❌ Italy and Poland heavily regulate fertility treatment, restricting access for single women and same-sex couples.
For LGBTQ+ families or individuals seeking donor conception or reciprocal IVF, choosing a country with supportive laws is crucial.
5. Surrogacy Laws: Where It’s Legal and Restricted
For those considering gestational surrogacy, it’s important to know which countries permit or ban the practice.
Countries That Allow Surrogacy (With Regulations)
United States (varies by state; commercial surrogacy is legal in many states)
Canada (altruistic surrogacy only, meaning surrogates cannot be paid beyond expenses)
Ukraine and Georgia (allow commercial surrogacy, attracting many international patients)
Countries That Ban or Restrict Surrogacy
❌ Most of Europe (Spain, France, Germany, and Italy) prohibits commercial surrogacy
❌ The U.K. allows only altruistic surrogacy, with restrictions on compensation
❌ China and Japan ban surrogacy entirely
These laws impact intended parents who need a surrogate due to medical conditions or same-sex male couples who require a gestational carrier.
Key Takeaways: Where to Find the Most Accessible Fertility Treatment
The best country for IVF, egg freezing, or donor conception depends on personal circumstances, legal access, and treatment preferences.
If you’re looking for:
✅ Anonymous Donors & High-Quality IVF → Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic
✅ Non-Anonymous Donors → Denmark, U.K., Portugal
✅ Affordable Egg Freezing & IVF → Spain, Greece, Czech Republic
✅ Surrogacy Options → USA, Canada, Ukraine
✅ LGBTQ+ Protections & Access → Spain, U.K., Denmark, Portugal, Canada, USA, Netherlands, Belgium
At Conceivable, we help patients navigate fertility laws and access world-class treatment abroad. If you’re considering IVF, egg freezing, or donor conception and want to learn which destination best fits your needs, book a free consultation today!
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