The couples where both of the parents are insured medically and meet the medical requirements will be able to benefit from in vitro fertilization within the mandatory health insurance system, IPN reports, quoting a bill to amend Article 20 of the Law on Reproductive Health approved by the Cabinet.

Minister of Health Ruxanda Glavan said a continuous reduction in the fertility rate is witnessed in Moldova. This now stands at 1.2-1.3 children per couple. This indicator is much below the level needed to replace generations. The data of the National Center of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics show about 20% of the total number of couples suffer from a particular form of infertility. For 2,500-3,000 women, the problem can be solved by in vitro fertilization.

So far the patients could benefit from this medical service free only if the family’s monthly income was lower than 50% of the average official salary. The new provisions remove this restriction and stipulate that only the medical requirements should be met.

The assisted reproductive technology (IVF) costs about 60,000 lei plus the costs of treatment before and after the procedure. 45-50% of the first in vitro fertilization attempts are successful. After three procedures, the chances increase to 75-80%. If the patients are older than 40, the success rate is lower.

Currently, four national medical institutions provide in vitro fertilization services.