Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark
Table of Contents
- 1 Why IVF with Donor Eggs in Denmark?
- 2 Which Patients Choose Denmark for Egg Donation IVF?
- 3 Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark – Basic Information
- 4 Donor Egg IVF in Denmark – Reasons to Go
- 5 IVF Clinics in Denmark
- 6 Egg Donation IVF in Denmark
- 7 Egg Donor Information Available in Denmark
- 8 Embryo Donation in Denmark
- 9 Egg Donation and IVF Cost in Denmark
- 10 IVF and Egg Donation in Denmark – Success Rates
- 11 Best Egg Donation IVF Clinics in Denmark
- 12 Legal aspects of IVF in Denmark
- 13 Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 13.1 How much does IVF and egg donation cost in Denmark?
- 13.2 What kind of IVF treatment is legally allowed in Denmark?
- 13.3 What are IVF and egg donation success rates in Denmark?
- 13.4 What are the most frequently chosen cities for egg donation treatment in Denmark?
- 13.5 What major laws are regulating IVF treatment in Denmark?
- 13.6 Where can I find the information on IVF clinics in Denmark?
- 13.7 Why is IVF more successful in Denmark?
- 13.8 How to get free IVF with donHow to get free IVF with donor eggs in Denmark?or eggs in Denmark?
- 13.9 Can you choose gender with IVF in Denmark?
Why IVF with Donor Eggs in Denmark?
Over the last few years, Denmark has emerged as one of the leading European destinations for IVF treatment. With liberal fertility laws and world-class clinics utilising the most cutting-edge technology and fertility techniques available, it is little wonder why patients from across the continent look to the Scandinavian country to help them realise their dream of starting a family. Here we will look at why so many people opt for egg donation IVF in Denmark and everything you need to know about the rules and regulations before you go.
Which Patients Choose Denmark for Egg Donation IVF?
- Single women seeking IVF with their own eggs or donated eggs
- Patients seeking anonymous egg or sperm donors
- Lesbian couples – female same-sex couples are eligible for treatment, including a shared motherhood option called ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner)
- Patients seeking double donation (ie sperm and egg donation). However, embryo donation is not permitted in Denmark
- There is little or no wait for donor eggs and/or sperm, and often treatment can start immediately
Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark – Basic Information
| Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark – cost and availability | |
|---|---|
| IVF with own eggs in Denmark – average cost | €3,300-4,500 |
| Egg donation in Denmark – average costs | €7,000-8,300 |
| Average egg donation success rates in Denmark | 27.9-30% |
| Maximum patient – woman age | 46 |
| IVF treatments for single women | Allowed |
| IVF treatments for female same sex couples | Allowed ROPA method available (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) |
| Gender selection/sex selection | No |
| Maximum number of embryos to transfer IVF with donor eggs | 2 |
| Maximum number of embryos to transfer IVF with own eggs | 2 |
| Egg donation – anonymity | Very good |
| Egg donor availability in Denmark | Very good |
| Egg donor age | 18-35 |
| Maximum number of born children from the same egg donor | 12 |
| Sperm donor – maximum age | 45 |
| Maximum number of children born from the same sperm donor | 12 |
Donor Egg IVF in Denmark – Reasons to Go
- Denmark has liberal legislation allowing for fertility treatment, regardless of marital status and sexual orientation
- A wide selection of anonymous egg donors often means little to no waiting time
- Open donation available
- World-class IVF clinics operating within accessible cities, including Copenhagen and Aarhus
Of course Denmark has so much more to offer than first-rate fertility treatment at world-leading clinics. Small in size but big on culture, cooking and coastline, Denmark is home to popular tourist attractions such as Tivoli, the Little Mermaid, and Lego House, so there is plenty to enjoy during your visit, whatever your personal tastes.
IVF Clinics in Denmark
Whether you are choosing IVF with your own eggs, donor eggs, donor sperm or double donation, Denmark is the smart choice.
The country has earned its reputation as one of the go-to destinations for IVF treatment in Europe, alongside the likes of Spain and Greece. It is particularly popular for lesbian couples and single women seeking treatment due to the country’s healthy supply of donor sperm.
Denmark is part of the Schengen area which allows residents of 26 European countries to travel freely, without the need for internal border checks. English is widely spoken, along with other European languages.
The most popular cities for IVF patients from abroad in Denmark are Copenhagen and Aarhus. If you do an online search using phrases such as “IVF in Copenhagen”, “IVF in Aarhus”, “egg donation in Denmark” or “egg donation Copenhagen” you will find many IVF clinics treating patients in these areas.
Egg Donation IVF in Denmark
There are many excellent fertility clinics located throughout Denmark, although most can be found in the country’s capital Copenhagen. Single women, heterosexual and female same-sex couples all qualify for treatment here.
Egg donation is unpaid, although donors can receive compensation of 7000 DKK (around €940). There are several different types of egg donation in Denmark. Closed donation is completely anonymous, and the patient and child born as a result of treatment will not be able to obtain any information about the donor. Open donation means that the patient still won’t be able to know the identity of the donor, but the child/children will have access to identifying information when they turn 18. It is legal to receive an oocyte donation from someone you know, for example, a friend or family member, as long as they are not the patient’s mother or daughter.
Denmark does not permit embryo donation, although double donation with donor eggs and sperm, is allowed. Embryos and oocytes can be frozen for up to five years.
Danish law does not permit sex selection, PGS/PGD screening or surrogacy.
Egg donation in Denmark is anonymous, meaning that no identifying information can be shared with the patient. However, the recipient is entitled to non-identifying information, including physical characteristics, such as the donor’s race, height, hair and eye colour, plus their educational attainment. The patient can be informed about how previous donations have gone and whether the donor has their own children. Clinics can also share information about the donor’s origin, genetic history and phenotype.
By law, IVF clinics in Denmark must use phenotype matching to ensure the best possible match between the donor and the patient.
Egg Donation IVF in Denmark – Age Limit
Denmark has strict rules about the age of women who can have IVF in the country. The maximum age clinics will treat a female patient is 46, with no exceptions. In contrast, other European countries will treat women aged 50 and beyond, including Portugal (50 years), Greece (54), Spain (50 but some clinics go up to 54) and North Cyprus (58).
In contrast, there is no limit on the age of the male partner.
IVF (Egg Donation) for Lesbian Couples in Denmark
Denmark is a popular destination for lesbian couples seeking IVF treatment. As well as regular IVF with donor sperm, Danish IVF clinics offer a shared motherhood option called ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner). This treatment allows both women to participate in the experience by using the eggs from one and transferring the embryo into the uterus of the other to carry the pregnancy.
Egg Donor Information Available in Denmark
Egg donation in Denmark is completely anonymous, meaning patients are never given any identifying information about the donor. If the patient opts for ‘open donation’ this means that the child or children can apply for information about the donor when they turn 18. It is worth noting that the donor is under no obligation to meet or make contact with the child.
Closed donation means the child can’t request information about the donor.
Egg Donor Qualifications in Denmark
Egg donors in Denmark must be aged between 18 and 35. Each donor goes through a rigorous screening process during which they are examined for infectious diseases and genetic abnormalities. By law, donors must undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure they are both mentally and physically healthy and understand the implications of their decision to donate.
Egg Donor Qualification in Denmark – Tests Required by Law
Fertility clinics in Denmark must test for a number of infectious diseases before treatment, including:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
The clinics must also test the donor’s blood type. Under Danish law, donors may only donate six times in total.
Embryo Donation in Denmark
Embryo donation is not permitted in Denmark at this time. However double donation, using donor eggs and donor sperm, is allowed.
Egg Donation and IVF Cost in Denmark
The cost of a single own-egg IVF cycle in Denmark ranges from €3,300 – €4,500, while egg donation IVF in Denmark costs around €7,000 – €8,300. These figures may be higher if you factor in the cost of medication and IVF add-on treatments, which are not always included in the price of the treatment package.
| IVF costs abroad – popular countries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country / IVF treatment type | Egg donation costs | IVF own eggs costs |
| Spain | €5,900 – €11,000 | €4,100 – €7,100 |
| Czech Republic | €4,500 – €8,000 | €2,700 – €5,700 |
| Greece | €5,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| North Cyprus | €4,500 – €6,000 | €2,700 – €5,700 |
| Portugal | €6,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| Latvia | €5,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| UK | €10,000 – €14,000 | €6,000 – €10,000 |
| Denmark | €7,000 – €8,300 | €3,300 – €4,500 |
| Argentina | €5,700 – €9,530 | €3,330 – €5,000 |
| Ukraine | €4,000 – €7,000 | €2,200 – €5,200 |
| Poland | €4,000 – €6,000 | €2,200 – €5,200 |
| Russia | €3,800 – €7,000 | €2,000 – €5,000 |
It is important to note that not all IVF clinics are completely transparent about their pricing, which means you may end up incurring additional costs during your treatment. When obtaining a quote from a clinic, always check what is covered in the price, including:
- The donor’s expenses, medication and screening
- Egg retrieval
- Sperm collection and preparation
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
- IVF add-on treatments
- Transfer of blastocysts
- Vitrification (freezing) of embryos/blastocysts
- Storage of frozen embryos/blastocysts
- Frozen embryo transfer
IVF and Egg Donation in Denmark – Success Rates
According to the ESHRE report published in 2020, pregnancy rates for IVF in Denmark using the patient’s own eggs were 21.9% and 24% where ICSI was used. The pregnancy success rates for egg donation cycles were 27.9% or 30% for thawed oocytes. It is important to note here that Denmark only allows up to two embryos to be implanted per transfer. Countries that allow more than two embryos to be implanted may enjoy higher success rates, but run the risk of multiple births.
When it comes to choosing a fertility clinic, it’s important to remember that each patient is different and IVF outcomes will depend on the patient’s own personal medical history and infertility diagnosis. The clinic should ask about your medical history in detail, including your age, weight, height, infertility diagnosis, the number of failed cycles, performed tests and procedures, before giving you a personalised prognosis for your IVF treatment.
| Egg Donation Success Rates* per woman age in Europe – popular countries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country / Woman age | <34 | 35-39 | ≥40 |
| Spain | 53.8 | 57.4 | 53.7 |
| Czech Republic | 44.7 | 41.0 | 40.2 |
| Greece | 59.6 | 58.9 | 54.3 |
| North Cyprus | No data / not collected by ESHRE | ||
| Ukraine | 64.3 | 66.3 | 61.9 |
| Russia | 46.7 | 45.5 | 42.8 |
| Portugal | 43.7 | 46.4 | 49.2 |
| Poland | 45.3 | 44.2 | 40.3 |
| Latvia | 100.0* | 16.7* | 7.7* |
| UK | 41.9 | 44.0 | 41.8 |
Best Egg Donation IVF Clinics in Denmark
Many of the best IVF clinics in Denmark can be found in the capital city of Copenhagen. However there are also centres of excellence further afield in smaller cities like Aarhus.
There is no hard and fast answer to this question, but just like in any country, the answer to ‘what is the best IVF clinic’ is often the most popular ones.
Legal aspects of IVF in Denmark
IVF treatments in Denmark are regulated by the Danish Health Authority and clinics must abide by the country’s law of assisted reproduction.
Egg Donation and IVF in Denmark – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does IVF and egg donation cost in Denmark?
The cost of IVF in Denmark using the patient’s own eggs is €3,300 – €4,500. This sits in the mid-range of pricing in Europe and is several thousands of Euros cheaper than treatment at clinics in Spain and the UK. Egg donation IVF costs €7,000 – €8,300. Remember to ask the clinic to clarify what is included in your treatment plan before going ahead.
What kind of IVF treatment is legally allowed in Denmark?
IVF with egg and/or sperm donation is legal in Denmark and treatment is offered to single women, heterosexual and female same-sex couples. Clinics will not treat female patients over the age of 46. Frozen embryos or oocytes can be stored for up to five years only.
A shared motherhood option called ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) is offered to lesbian couples.
Embryo donation, sex selection, surrogacy and PGS/PGD screening are illegal in Denmark.
What are IVF and egg donation success rates in Denmark?
Pregnancy rates for IVF in Denmark using the patient’s own eggs were 21.9%, and this figure rose to 24% where ICSI was used. The pregnancy success rates for egg donation cycles were 27.9% or 30% for thawed oocytes.
What are the most frequently chosen cities for egg donation treatment in Denmark?
Most of the IVF clinics in Denmark are located in or around Copenhagen, although you can still find quality IVF clinics in smaller cities and towns such as Aarhus.
What major laws are regulating IVF treatment in Denmark?
Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) treatments in Denmark are regulated by law number 460 of June 1997 on artificial fertilisation in connection with medical treatment, diagnosis, and research. In 2006, a new law (number 535 of June 8, 2006) amended the previous law, enabling unmarried women and same-sex couples to have access to MAR. It also extended the storage period for cryopreserved eggs from two to five years. In January 2018, a further law change paved the way for double donation using donor sperm and eggs. However embryo donation remains illegal in Denmark.
All reproductive treatment in Denmark is overseen by the Danish Health Authority. The authority holds data on treatment pathways and outcomes gathered from all fertility clinics in Denmark.
Fertility clinics must also be approved by the Danish Patient Safety Authority in accordance with the EU Tissue Directive for insemination and IVF treatment.
Where can I find the information on IVF clinics in Denmark?
To find out more about IVF clinics in Denmark, visit the Danish Fertility Society website at https://fertilitetsselskab.dk/.
Why is IVF more successful in Denmark?
Danish fertility clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and manned by highly-skilled clinicians. Donor eggs and sperm are in plentiful supply, so there is often little or no wait for treatment.
How to get free IVF with donHow to get free IVF with donor eggs in Denmark?or eggs in Denmark?
Free IVF with donor eggs is not readily available in Denmark. However, the cost of three cycles of IVF for a first child is covered by the tax-financed public health service for female Danish citizens. This usually refers to treatments in public clinics with publicly funded medication, doctors and laboratory costs.
Can you choose gender with IVF in Denmark?
No, gender selection is not allowed in Denmark.
If you need help choosing an IVF clinic abroad, spare 3 minutes of your time.
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If you are looking for an egg donation clinic abroad, use the eggdonationfriends unique patient tool – Clinic Matching Test. We analyse your needs and choose overseas clinics which match your expectations. Our database of IVF centres includes only trusted fertility clinics which have experience in providing high quality services to international patients.
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- Patients Enquiries Report’s 2013-2019, IVF Media Ltd., Dublin, August 2019.
- ART in Europe, 2016: results generated from European registries by ESHRE
https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2020/3/hoaa032/5879305 - Licensed In Vitro Fertilization Units (IVFU) & Cryopreservation Banks (CB) in Greece
http://eaiya.gov.gr/en/information/licensed/ - IVF legal framework in Greece
http://eaiya.gov.gr/en/law-fek/
