Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Legal in Argentina After the 2026 Law Changes?

Yes, IVF is legal in Argentina under Law 26.862 (2013), which guarantees access to assisted reproductive technologies. The National Ministry of Health regulates clinics via the Programa Nacional de Reproducción Asistida, ensuring compliance with ethical and technical standards. Recent 2026 amendments expanded coverage under public health plans, mandating inclusion in PAMI and INSSJP for eligible patients.

Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Argentina

  • Consent Requirements: Both partners must provide written, informed consent prior to treatment, per Decreto 956/2013. Single individuals or same-sex couples require additional notarized declarations to validate intent.
  • Embryo Disposition: Cryopreserved embryos may only be stored for 5 years unless extended by judicial order (Código Civil y Comercial, Art. 19). Destruction or donation requires explicit prior consent from genetic progenitors.
  • Age Limits: Clinics must deny IVF to women over 50 unless medical exceptions are approved by the Comité de Ética en Reproducción Humana of the Ministerio de Salud. Male age restrictions apply only in cases of severe genetic risks.

Non-compliance risks suspension of clinic licenses and criminal liability under Ley 26.862 for unauthorized embryo manipulation or discriminatory practices. Foreign patients must secure prior authorization from the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones if seeking treatment under Argentine jurisdiction.