Yes, IVF is legal in Iceland under strict regulatory oversight. The Act on Artificial Fertilization (No. 55/1996, amended 2023) permits IVF for heterosexual couples and single women, with gamete donation allowed under the Icelandic Medicines Agency’s (Lyfiseftirlitið) guidelines. Surrogacy remains prohibited, and embryo storage is capped at 10 years unless extended by medical necessity.
Key Regulations for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Iceland
- Eligibility: Restricted to heterosexual couples (married or cohabiting ≥2 years) and single women; same-sex male couples are excluded. Genetic screening for hereditary conditions is mandatory per Act No. 55/1996, Art. 7.
- Gamete Donation: Anonymous donations are banned; donors must consent to potential offspring contact at age 18. The National Committee on Bioethics enforces traceability under Act No. 10/2023.
- Embryo Limits: A maximum of 3 embryos may be transferred per cycle. Excess embryos may be stored for ≤10 years, renewable via Lyfiseftirlitið’s approval for medical or research purposes.
Post-2026, amendments to Act No. 55/1996 will require clinics to report success rates annually to the Directorate of Health, aligning with EU tissue directive standards. Non-compliance risks license revocation.