Which European Nations Have the Best Fertility Treatment Policies?

July 25 marks International Assisted Reproduction Day, a date that honors the work of fertility specialists and seeks to raise awareness about the importance of equitable access to reproductive technologies. The day commemorates the birth of Louise Brown in 1978—the world’s first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her birth marked a turning point in the history of reproductive medicine, paving the way for new possibilities for individuals and couples struggling with infertility, as well as for same-sex couples and single women.
Recent data from Fertility Europe, released in 2024, reveal significant disparities in access to assisted reproduction across the continent. Belgium and the Netherlands rank highest, with a range of strong inclusive fertility policies, scoring above 89 percent. Towards the other end of the spectrum is Albania, where reproductive inclusivity reaches a score of just 21.9 percent.
The evaluation of countries is based on three main areas: legislation, funding, and patient experience. Legislation is assessed based on the existence of specific laws regulating assisted reproduction, including who is eligible for treatment - such as heterosexual couples, single women, or same-sex couples - and which procedures are legally permitted, including IVF and the donation of eggs and sperm.
Funding also plays a critical role, with countries evaluated on whether treatments are publicly funded, partially subsidized, or entirely private. Greater public coverage and shorter waiting times result in higher rankings. In addition, the overall patient experience is taken into account, including access to psychological support and fertility education, both of which are considered essential components of comprehensive reproductive care.
Countries that performed best in the ranking have inclusive legal frameworks, facilitate access for a wide range of family types, and offer state-funded treatments along with psychological and educational support. In contrast, countries that restrict access received the lowest scores.