Slovenia: Assisted Reproduction – Law, Policy, and Practice

Slovenian law, particularly the Infertility Act, establishes strict regulations to ensure that assisted reproductive technologies are carried out ethically and legally. The law mandates that all assisted reproductive technology procedures, including egg and sperm donation, must be performed with the explicit, written consent of both the donors and the intended parents. This ensures that all parties are fully aware of the legal and ethical implications involved. Additionally, the law requires the establishment of detailed medical records for every assisted reproductive technology procedure. These records document critical information such as the identities of donors, the methods used in the procedures, and other relevant medical data. The purpose of these records is to ensure the transparency and ethical use of assisted reproductive technologies while also protecting the rights of the children conceived through such methods. The Infertility Act aims to prevent any misuse of assisted reproductive technologies and ensure that the interests of all individuals involved, especially the children born from these procedures, are protected. These measures contribute to both legal clarity and ethical standards within the practice of assisted reproductive technologies in Slovenia. According to the CCRS ruling from October 2024, changes to the Infertility Act are anticipated. These changes will focus on expanding the eligibility for ART to include same-sex couples and single women. This will also present an excellent opportunity to incorporate other improvements and updates, such as the transfer of embryos between centres and the expansion of the child’s right to know their origin.