Yes, IVF is legal in the Czech Republic under the Act No. 373/2011 Coll. on Specific Health Services, regulated by the Ministry of Health. The framework permits IVF for heterosexual couples, single women, and female same-sex couples, with mandatory pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for certain conditions. Recent 2026 amendments tighten embryo storage limits to 10 years, aligning with EU bioethical standards.
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Czech Republic
- Eligibility Criteria: Only heterosexual couples, single women, or female same-sex couples may access IVF. Male same-sex couples are excluded unless using a surrogate (prohibited domestically).
- Embryo Limits: A maximum of 3 embryos may be created per cycle, with mandatory transfer of all viable embryos in one attempt to reduce multiple pregnancies.
- Genetic Testing: Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is required for embryos with high-risk hereditary conditions, as per the 2026 amendment to Act No. 373/2011 Coll.
The State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) oversees IVF clinic licensing, while the Czech Society for Assisted Reproduction (ČSAR) enforces professional standards. Non-compliance risks license revocation and fines up to CZK 10 million (€400,000). Foreign patients must provide medical records translated into Czech, verified by a court-approved translator.