The Economist came out with a special report this summer about IVF and other technologies used to help families grow. Of course, the subject of cost was raised. https://www.economist.com/technology-quarterly/2023/07/17/the-fertility-sector-is-booming
Interestingly, Denmark and Israel come out on top regarding popularity of IVF. As The Economist says: “IVF accounts for around 9% of live births in Denmark, the highest proportion in any country. For average number of cycles undergone per woman, the winner is Israel. The fundamental reasons for the two countries’ pre-eminence are distinct: Danes are strong supporters of women’s and family rights and understand fertility as part of the package; Israel is, culturally and politically, much more pro-baby than other rich countries. The proximate reason, though, is more or less the same. In both countries the state makes ivf widely available and (nearly) free. Israel, in this respect the world’s most generous country, will in most cases pay for as much ivf as it takes to have two “take-home babies”.”
Here are some reasons why IVF is more popular in Denmark and Israel:
- Liberal legislation: Denmark has some of the most liberal legislation on fertility treatment in the world
- High quality health services: Denmark has high standards of medical care
- No stigma: Denmark has a less stigmatized culture around fertility treatments
- Relatively low cost: IVF in Denmark is relatively low cost for foreigners
- Free IVF: Israel provides free, unlimited IVF procedures for up to two “take-home babies” until a woman is 45
- Large sperm bank: Denmark has one of the largest sperm banks, Cryos International, which has eliminated waiting times for IUI (artificial insemination)
- Progressive approach: Denmark has a supportive legal framework for procedures like sperm and egg donation, as well as surrogacy
- High fertility rate: Israeli women undergo more IVF cycles per capita than in any other country
- Ethical issues: Judaism doesn’t imbue an embryo outside the womb with any personhood, so they skip over any thorny ethical issues that many countries have to contend with.