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Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | In Vitro Fertilisation | Review

A comparison of assisted human reproduction (AHR) regulation in Ireland with other developed countries

Authors: Olivia McDermott, Lauraine Ronan, Mary Butler

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment is not regulated in Ireland although it has been practiced since 1987. Thus, Ireland is one of the only European countries without any form of AHR specific regulation. This literature review research aimed to provide a comprehensive and comparative overview of AHR regulation and any associated literature to compare Ireland and other developed countries.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in several databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and official government websites) utilising search strings in relation to AHR legislation for each country under review. A final review of 155 research articles were eligible after screening related to legislation in each country for inclusion. The findings were synthesised and summarised by legislation in each country.

Results

Different countries offer different levels of ART and IVF provision and services in terms of the type of services allowed, financial support, age, sex and eligibility of recipients. The UK’s oversight legislation combined with the Netherlands financial legislation section provides as being most effective hybrid model of best practice for adoption in Ireland.

Conclusions

This research concluded that there is no AHR legislation in any country that can be described as all-encompassing in terms of the services allowed, financial support and age of recipients. It was concluded that significant changes need to be made to the Irish draft legislation which is in limbo with the government for the last 3 years in order to meet Irish patient needs.
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Metadata
Title
A comparison of assisted human reproduction (AHR) regulation in Ireland with other developed countries
Authors
Olivia McDermott
Lauraine Ronan
Mary Butler
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-022-01359-0

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