Infertility treatments such as IVF are not governed by specific health legislation but medical practice in this area operates under guidelines issued by the Medical Council. These treatments are not part of the publicly funded health service. Persons who avail of the service do so in a private capacity. They are eligible for tax relief on medical expenses and assistance with the cost of drugs under the drug refund scheme. While there are no statistics on the extent of infertility, it is esti mated that some 10% of couples are affected. Accordingly it is not possible to assess trends in the levels of infertility. The principal causes of infertility include general systemic disease, chronic diseases such as endocrine disease, pelvic inflammatory infection, abnormalities of the anatomical structure, congenital abnormalities in the reproductive system, trauma, neurological disease, psychological disturbance and occasionally the side effects of treatment such as cancer treatment.
The area of assisted human reproduction raises a wide range of sensitive and complex issues with associated complex legal, ethical, social and medical implications. I am concerned to ensure that these issues are addressed in a comprehensive manner. It is my intention to bring forward proposals to Government in January to begin to address this very complex area.
