Denmark offers free IVF for second child to combat low birth rate

The decision to extend funding for infertility treatment is the authorities' response to the issue of declining natural population growth. Until now, the state subsidized IVF procedures only for couples attempting to have their first child.

The introduction of free IVF for additional attempts fulfills a promise made by Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. In her New Year's speech for 2024, she announced initiatives to increase the birth rate.

There must be more of us; it is the state's duty to assist in this – emphasized the Prime Minister, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.

Interest in IVF treatments is estimated to increase by 50 per cent. In response to the growing demand, nine infertility clinics are expanding their branches and hiring additional staff. Despite these efforts, the media highlights the potential extension of waiting times for the procedure, which currently lasts several months.

Denmark grapples with a low fertility rate, averaging fewer than 1.5 children per woman. To ensure a simple generational replacement, this rate should be 2.1. The authorities hope that expanding the free IVF program will help improve this situation.

Since the birth of the first child conceived via IVF in 1984, the popularity of this solution in Denmark has been steadily growing. However, despite the increased interest in assisted reproduction techniques, the overall number of births in the country continues to decline.