Yes, IVF is legal in Egypt but tightly controlled under Islamic jurisprudence and civil regulations. The 2023 Law No. 10/2023 on reproductive health, enforced by the National Council for Population, permits IVF exclusively for married heterosexual couples using their own gametes. Surrogacy and third-party gamete donation remain prohibited, aligning with Al-Azhar’s 2022 fatwa. Clinics must obtain licenses from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and comply with 2026 technical guidelines on genetic testing and embryo transfer limits.
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Egypt
- Marital Status Requirement: Only legally married couples may access IVF, with mandatory proof of marriage submitted to licensed clinics. Unmarried individuals or same-sex couples are explicitly excluded under Article 5 of Law No. 10/2023.
- Gamete Source Restrictions: IVF must use the couple’s own sperm and eggs; donor gametes or embryos are criminalized under Article 12, punishable by fines up to EGP 500,000 (≈$16,000). Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is permitted solely for medical necessity, per MoHP Circular 2024/11.
- Clinic Licensing & Oversight: Facilities require MoHP approval, undergo annual audits, and must report all IVF cycles to the National IVF Registry. Violations trigger immediate suspension and potential criminal liability under Article 20 of the 2023 law.