In Cyprus, egg and sperm donation characterize by the fact that they are based upon altruism and anonymity. Both aspects turn this country into a common destination for what is known as fertility tourism or cross-border reproductive care (CBRC).
A great number of people choose Cyprus as their destination when pursuing a fertility treatment either because it is not allowed in their home country, or it is but with a number of restrictions that do not fit their needs or adapt to the cause behind their infertility.
The following are some material factors that one should keep in mind when traveling to Cyprus in the pursuit of a solution to their fertility problems.
Laws on assisted reproduction in Cyprus
When traveling to a country other than one's home country to undergo a medical treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor gametes, getting as much information as possible beforehand about the current legislation in the destination country is crucial.
In Cyprus, medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is governed by the Law 69 (I)/2015. Apart from addressing the fact that all egg and sperm donors must remain anonymous and act in an altruistic manner, it also pays attention to other remarkable aspects linked to this field, such as:
- Age limit established for the recipient
- Requirements every egg and/or sperm donor should meet
- How donors are selected
- Allowed fertility treatments (intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, etc.)
- Explicit restrictions established for certain fertility procedures
Taking into consideration these legal requirements is essential in order for a patient to determine whether Cyprus is the destination that fits her needs, always proceeding in accordance with the Law.
Visiting Cyprus Island
Cyprus Island is very well connected to a wide range of countries not only from Europe, but also from all over the world, thanks to the number of main airports that can be found in the island, such as the Larnaca International Airport and the Paphos International Airport.
Nicosia, the island's largest city, is the capital city of Cyprus. As it happens at a national level, this city is divided into two. The southern side is the capital city of the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern side is the capital of Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Since the declaration of independence by the North in 1983, Turkey is the unique country that has recognized explicitly the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an official country. The remaining Governments, as well as the United Nations (UN), have recognized the sovereignty of the Greek Cypriot administration across the whole island.
Cyprus became a Member State of the European Union in 2004. However, the implementation of the acquis communautaire will be limited to the Southern side of the island up until the moment in which both sides, that is, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot reunify.
At a geographical level, Cyprus Island is located in southwest Asia; nevertheless, if seen from a political and cultural side, it can be considered to be part of Europe.
Getting around by taxi or renting a car are the best two options for moving across the island, as no railway lines exists, and the availability of public buses is sparse. If you are traveling by car, you should take into account that Cyprus drives on the left, as in Great Britain.
Should you have a preference for getting around by bus, you should be aware that tickets purchased in the Greek side may not be valid in the Turkish side of the country.
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Are the laws on assisted reproduction in Cyprus mentioned about the South or North of Cyprus?
Hello, Christina:
Actually, the laws are rather similar, but the mentioned Law 69 (I)/2015 is from Cyprus (South). In North Cyprus, the law allows single women and same-sex partners to access fertility care. Also, sex selection for family balancing or medical indications is allowed, but surrogacy is not. Conversely, surrogacy is allowed in the South, but gender selection is forbidden.
Egg vitrification is allowed, and moreover there is no restriction on how long the oocytes and/or embryos can be stored. The maximum number of embryos that can be transferred in North Cyprus are 3, and patients turning to donor-egg IVF shouldn’t be older than 45 years of age – some clinics may accept women aged 46-47.
I hope this helps,
Best