Yes, IVF is legal in Ireland under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2024, which came into force in stages from 2023 and will be fully enforced by 2026. The legislation establishes a statutory framework for fertility treatments, including IVF, while prohibiting certain practices such as sex selection for non-medical reasons and human cloning. The Act is overseen by the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), Ireland’s first dedicated fertility regulator, replacing the interim Irish Human Assisted Reproduction Authority (IHARA).
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Ireland
- Licensing and oversight: All IVF clinics must obtain a license from the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), which enforces compliance with the 2024 Act, including mandatory inspections and annual reporting. Clinics must demonstrate adherence to ethical standards and patient safety protocols.
- Embryo storage and limits: IVF providers are restricted to storing embryos for a maximum of 10 years, with extensions permitted only under exceptional circumstances approved by AHRRA. The law also caps the number of embryos that may be transferred in a single cycle to reduce multiple pregnancies.
- Donor anonymity and consent: Gamete donors must provide explicit, informed consent, and their identities may be disclosed to donor-conceived individuals upon reaching adulthood. The Act prohibits anonymous donation, aligning with EU data protection norms under GDPR.