Funds to help couples access IVF were announced in the budget. The state funding will help those going through the costly process of assisted reproduction. A single cycle of IVF can cost between €7,000 and €10,000. Here, Fianna Fail senator Catherine Ardagh welcomes the move, having had her twin boys Darragh Og and Sean through IVF in December 2019.
To those struggling to conceive naturally, my heart goes out to you. I've been that soldier - along with my husband Darragh - and I know it becomes all consuming.
The budget measures announced will allow for publicly funded IVF on a phased basis, due to commence late next year. My hope and ambition is a fully funded IVF scheme, delivered in public hospitals.
