Yes, IVF is legal in Saudi Arabia under strict Sharia-compliant regulations. The Kingdom permits assisted reproductive technologies (ART) exclusively for married, heterosexual Muslim couples, with oversight by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). Non-Muslim expatriates may access IVF only if their home country’s laws recognize the procedure, subject to additional scrutiny. Recent 2026 SFDA guidelines mandate pre-approval for all IVF clinics, including genetic testing requirements for embryos to prevent hereditary diseases.
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Saudi Arabia
- Marital and Religious Restrictions: IVF is permitted only for legally married heterosexual Muslim couples. Non-Muslim expatriates require proof of recognition by their home country’s legal system, with additional MOH approval.
- Embryo Limits and Disposal: A maximum of four embryos may be implanted per cycle. Excess embryos must be cryopreserved for a maximum of five years, after which they may be discarded or donated for research—never for commercial use.
- Genetic Screening Mandates: The 2026 SFDA guidelines enforce mandatory pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for couples with hereditary conditions. Clinics must report all genetic data to the MOH’s National Genetic Database.