Slovakia: The Regulation and Practice of Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Best Interests of the Child

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have transformed family-building options globally. However, their regulation remains a complex and evolving legal and ethical challenge. In Slovakia, ART operates within a fragmented legal framework, shaped by constitutional principles, family law provisions, medical ethics, and public policy. This study examines the current state of ART regulation in Slovakia, focusing on key issues such as access to fertility treatments, legal parentage, embryo protection, and the rights of children born through ART. The research highlights the limitations of Slovakia’s outdated legal provisions, particularly the lack of comprehensive ART legislation. Furthermore, the study analyses the role of constitutional protections, the intersection of ART with bioethics, and Slovakia’s obligations under international human rights law. Public discourse and policy debates reveal a tension between traditional family values and the need for a more inclusive approach to ART.