Is IVF Treatment Legal in Turkey?
In Turkey, IVF treatment is completely legal under the “Regulation on Assisted Reproductive Treatment Practices and Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centers” published by the Ministry of Health in 2010. However, these legal regulations only allow treatment to be performed under specific conditions and at authorized centers. The aim is to protect the health and safety of patients and to ensure the process is carried out in an ethically sound manner. This legislation guarantees the quality and reliability of the procedure.
Is Marriage Required for IVF?
Yes, according to Turkish law, IVF treatment can only be applied to couples who are officially married. Couples applying for treatment are required to present an official marriage certificate. This rule was established to protect the legal status and lineage of the child. It is not legally possible for single individuals or unmarried couples to benefit from this treatment. Cure Holiday guides you on such legal requirements.
What is the Age Limit for IVF Treatment?
There is a legal age limit for IVF treatment in Turkey. This limit is 40 for female patients. However, this age limit can be flexible based on the decision of the doctor and the health board. The main purpose of this age restriction is the decreased pregnancy success and increased risks at an advanced age. Starting treatment at a younger age is crucial as it increases the success rate.
Is Surrogacy Legal in Turkey?
No, surrogacy is legally prohibited in Turkey. According to the Turkish Civil Code, the woman who gives birth to the child is considered the legal mother. Therefore, it is forbidden for IVF centers to offer surrogacy services, and violation of this rule can lead to serious legal consequences. The legal framework aims to protect the lineage and legal status of children.
Are Egg and Sperm Donation Legal?
In Turkey, egg and sperm donation (or contribution) are strictly prohibited by law. In IVF treatment, only the couple’s own reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) can be used. This legal rule aims to establish the child’s genetic connection with their parents and protect the family structure. Cure Holiday collaborates with clinics that fully comply with legal regulations.
How Many Embryos Can Be Transferred?
Legal regulations in Turkey have imposed a limit on the number of embryos to be transferred to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies and protect maternal health. For women under 35, only one embryo can be transferred in the first two attempts, and a maximum of two embryos in the third and subsequent attempts. For patients aged 35 and over, a maximum of two embryos are allowed from the first attempt. This rule balances pregnancy success with patient safety.
Is Embryo Freezing and Storage Legal?
Yes, embryo freezing and storage are legal practices in Turkey. Excess healthy embryos obtained can be frozen for future use. The legal storage period is 5 years. This period can be extended for another five years upon the couple’s request and with the permission of the Ministry of Health. This practice provides couples with security for future pregnancy attempts and eliminates the need for repeated egg retrieval procedures each time.
Is Genetic Screening of Embryos (PGT) Legal?
Genetic screening of embryos (PGT – Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is a legal practice in Turkey, but it is only permitted under specific medical conditions. PGT is used in situations where there is a high risk of a genetic disease being transmitted from the mother or father to the child. For example, in cases of single-gene disorders or chromosomal abnormalities, genetic screening can be performed to select healthy embryos. PGT is prohibited for arbitrary reasons, especially for gender selection.
How Many Times Can IVF Treatment Be Performed?
There is no legal limit on the number of times IVF treatment can be repeated. The number of repetitions depends on the couple’s physical and psychological condition and financial readiness. Most experts generally recommend changing the treatment protocol or using additional methods after three attempts. Increasing the number of attempts can sometimes also increase the chances of success. Cure Holiday continues to be with you on this journey.
Is Gender Selection Legal?
No, gender selection through IVF treatment in Turkey is legally prohibited unless there is a medical necessity, such as a genetic disease being passed down based on gender. Legal regulations do not permit such practices on the grounds that they are unethical. IVF centers should focus solely on resolving infertility issues and achieving a healthy pregnancy.
How Are IVF Centers Authorized and Audited?
IVF centers in Turkey are strictly audited by the Ministry of Health, and only clinics with a special authorization certificate from the ministry can perform this treatment. These centers must comply with specific technological standards, personnel qualifications, and hygiene rules. Procedures performed at unauthorized centers are illegal and carry serious penalties. Cure Holiday collaborates only with accredited clinics that meet all legal requirements.
What Documents Are Mandatory During Treatment?
Mandatory documents are requested from couples to start IVF treatment. These include the marriage certificate, copies of identification cards, and medical reports of previous treatments. Additionally, a report issued by a health board, indicating that the couple is suitable for IVF treatment, may also be required. A passport is also a mandatory document for patients coming from abroad. Cure Holiday supports you in preparing these documents.
Is There a Legal Cost to the Treatment?
The cost of IVF treatment varies depending on the methods used, medications, and clinics. The Ministry of Health in Turkey does not set a floor or ceiling price for treatment costs. However, some private hospitals and clinics offer all-inclusive packages that cover various expenses. Cure Holiday‘s transparent and all-inclusive packages prevent patients from encountering unexpected costs and make the process easier to plan.
In What Cases Is IVF Legally Initiated?
IVF treatment is legally initiated when other assisted reproductive methods have failed, or when it is medically proven that infertility cannot be treated with any other method besides IVF. For example, situations like blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or unexplained infertility constitute the legal grounds for treatment.
What Do Legal Regulations Say About Recurrent Failures?
There is no specific legal regulation in Turkey for recurrent IVF failures. However, specialists can apply different protocols, additional treatment methods (PGT, embryo glue, etc.), or immune system therapies within legal limits in cases of recurrent failures. These situations do not pose an obstacle to the continuation of the treatment.
Is IVF Treatment Covered by SGK?
Yes, for couples who meet certain conditions, IVF treatment can be partially covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). To benefit from SGK support, certain conditions must be met, such as the female patient not having turned 40, being married for at least 3 years, and having paid social security premiums regularly for the last 3 months. Cure Holiday facilitates the process by providing information about such support.
Which Laws Apply to Patients Coming from Abroad?
Patients who come to Turkey for IVF treatment are subject to Turkish law. This means that all legal rules, such as the requirement to be officially married and the prohibition of donation and surrogacy, also apply to foreign patients. Therefore, it is very important to fully understand this legal framework and seek a consultation service before starting treatment. Cure Holiday provides full support to you in this process.
How Is the Privacy of Foreign Patients Protected?
Turkish legal legislation protects the privacy of all patients’ personal and medical data. This also applies to foreign patients. Clinics cannot share patient information with third parties unless there is a legal obligation. The data is secured under the KVKK (Law on the Protection of Personal Data).
Who Are the Legal Mother and Father?
In Turkey, the legal mother and father of a child born as a result of IVF treatment are the married couple who underwent the treatment. It is essential that the treatment is performed with their own reproductive cells. Legally, the child is registered in the population of the couple who underwent the treatment, and in cases where there is no genetic connection (such as donation), no legal bond is formed, which is already prohibited.
Is the Consent of Both Parties Required for Embryo Storage?
Yes, the embryo storage process begins with the written consent of both the female and male. All processes, such as freezing or destroying embryos, are carried out with the consent of both spouses. This is important to prevent legal problems in situations like a possible divorce or the death of one of the spouses.
What Conditions Must IVF Centers Legally Meet?
IVF centers must legally meet certain physical, technological, and personnel conditions. They are required to have their own laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and specialist embryologists and gynecologists. Additionally, they must have the necessary equipment and personnel support for emergencies. Organizations like Cure Holiday ensure quality by working with clinics that meet these conditions.
What Happens to Frozen Embryos in Case of Divorce?
In the event of a divorce, the fate of frozen embryos may involve legal uncertainty. There is no explicit provision in the Turkish Civil Code on this matter. Generally, the destruction of embryos or their continued use by one spouse is determined by mutual consent or a court order. Therefore, it is important to consider possible scenarios before starting treatment.
Is Pre-Treatment Preparation Legally Required?
While not legally mandatory, doctors recommend lifestyle changes to couples to increase treatment success. Steps such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating healthily, and reaching an ideal body weight positively affect the quality and outcomes of the treatment process. These recommendations are part of an approach that prioritizes medical ethics and patient health.
How Is the Difference Between IVF and IUI Defined Legally?
The fundamental difference between IVF and IUI is also legally defined. IUI is the process of injecting a sperm sample into the woman’s uterus after special processing and is a simpler method. IVF, on the other hand, involves the fertilization of eggs and sperm in a laboratory environment and is a more complex procedure. Both methods are legally recognized and are applied based on a doctor’s decision for appropriate situations.
How Is IVF Subject to Legal Audits?
IVF treatment processes are regularly audited by the Ministry of Health. These audits check the clinics’ compliance with laws, hygiene rules, and patient safety standards. An authorized audit team examines the clinics’ operational procedures, equipment used, and patient records. This audit mechanism ensures that patients are safe.
Is There a Special Legal Visa Procedure for Foreigners?
For foreigners traveling to Turkey for medical purposes, a special visa procedure may apply in some cases. Patients from countries that require a visa can apply for a visa with documents showing their treatment plan. Cure Holiday facilitates travel procedures by providing patients with necessary documents, such as a visa invitation letter.
How Do Legal Regulations Protect Patient Consent?
Before starting any IVF procedure, the patient’s written and verbal informed consent is obtained. This consent includes all risks associated with the treatment, success rates, alternative treatment methods, and legal consequences. This ensures that the patient can make their own decisions based on full information and protects their legal rights.
What Happens Legally If the IVF Treatment Is Unsuccessful?
In the event that IVF treatment is unsuccessful, there are no legal penalties. However, the patient’s rights are protected by ensuring that the treatment process is carried out in accordance with laws and medical standards. Cure Holiday stands by its patients in such situations by offering psychological support and counseling services for the next step.
What Is the Legal Status of Children After IVF Treatment?
The legal status of children born as a result of IVF treatment is the same as that of children born naturally. According to the Turkish Civil Code, a child born within a marriage is automatically registered in the population of their mother and father. There is no legal discrimination in this regard, and they have all legal rights.
What Is the Legal Difference Between IVF and Surrogacy?
IVF treatment is the process of achieving fertilization in a laboratory using the couple’s own eggs and sperm and transferring the embryo to the expectant mother’s uterus. It is legally permitted. Surrogacy, on the other hand, is a woman carrying a pregnancy for someone else, and this is legally prohibited in Turkey. The fundamental legal difference is the recognition of the maternity of the woman who carries the pregnancy, regardless of the genetic connection.
