Yes, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is legal in Turkey, governed by the Regulation on Assisted Reproductive Techniques (2014) and amendments enforced by the Ministry of Health. The framework permits IVF for married heterosexual couples, single women, and same-sex couples under specific conditions, with recent 2026 updates tightening embryo transfer limits and donor anonymity rules. Clinics must comply with the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK) licensing and reporting mandates.
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Turkey
- Marriage and Age Restrictions: IVF is permitted only for married heterosexual couples or single women, with female patients capped at 50 years old. Same-sex couples remain excluded under current interpretations of the Civil Code.
- Embryo Transfer Limits: A maximum of three embryos may be transferred per cycle, reduced from four in 2026 to mitigate multiple pregnancy risks, per TITCK’s Guideline on Embryo Transfer Practices.
- Donor Anonymity and Traceability: Gamete donors must be registered in the National Gamete Donor Database, with offspring granted access to donor identities upon reaching 18 years of age, aligning with 2026 amendments to the Law on Population Services.
Clinics face unannounced inspections by TITCK and provincial health directorates, with penalties including license revocation for violations such as unauthorized embryo storage or non-compliance with genetic screening requirements. The Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine provides supplementary ethical guidelines, though these lack statutory enforcement.