The Danish government plans to allocate DKK 35 million annually to expand IVF treatment options for couples seeking a second child, increasing the number of publicly funded attempts from three to six. This initiative aims to equalize assistance for second children with that currently offered for first children.

The proposal, announced by the Social Democrats’ health spokesperson Lea Wermelin, comes in response to the challenges many face in achieving their desired family size. Wermelin emphasized the government’s commitment to providing support through the welfare system, acknowledging the impact of involuntary childlessness.

Currently, couples or women seeking their first child can receive up to six IVF attempts with public assistance, a policy implemented earlier in 2024. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen initially signaled the intent to provide state-funded fertility assistance for second children in her New Year’s address, highlighting the prevalence and sensitivity of the issue. An agreement was reached in June 2024 with the Danish Regions, making free fertility assistance for a second child available since December.

According to figures from the Ministry of Finance, the success rate for pregnancy with each frozen egg treatment averages 39 percent. The additional funding will be allocated from 2026, with the exact implementation timeline dependent on negotiations with the Danish Regions.

Wermelin acknowledges the potential for increased waiting lists at fertility clinics but expresses confidence in the regions’ ability to manage capacity by expanding their own resources and utilizing the private sector when necessary. She also cited declining fertility rates as a key factor driving the need for increased assistance. When questioned, Wermelin did not exclude the possibility of taxpayer-funded assistance for a third child in the future.