High costs of artificial insemination burden Swiss couples
The desire to have a child of their own is associated with major financial challenges for many couples in Switzerland. Artificial insemination, also known as IVF, is medically complex and very expensive. Current reports show that a single attempt in Swiss clinics can cost over 10,000 francs.
The biggest problem for those affected is the high financial risk. Since there is no guarantee of success with IVF treatment, many couples have to finance multiple attempts in order to become pregnant. Health insurance companies in Switzerland generally do not cover these costs, which makes family planning a major burden for many people.
Several affected women are now reporting their experiences publicly. Some of them had to take out large loans or completely exhaust their savings to fulfill their desire for a child. This situation leads to some couples deciding against medical treatment despite a strong desire for a child, because they cannot afford the costs.
The debate over the financing of fertility treatments is held regularly in Switzerland. Critics are calling for the costs of IVF attempts to be subsidized more heavily in order to improve equal opportunities in family planning. So far, however, the financial responsibility remains almost entirely with the couples themselves.