Feb 24 • 07:10 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Draft of Amendments to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Law Registered in the Seimas

A legislative proposal has been introduced in Lithuania's parliament to regulate assisted reproductive technologies under specific medical conditions.

A recent proposal registered in the Seimas of Lithuania seeks to amend the Assisted Reproductive Technology Law by outlining the specific conditions under which assisted reproduction can be legally performed. The new regulations stipulate that such procedures will only be permitted when infertility cannot be treated and there are no medical contraindications that could endanger the woman's health or ability to carry a child. This change aims to clarify and restrict the usage of assisted reproductive technologies within ethical and medical guidelines.

The legislative project further emphasizes that only the reproductive cells of couples or women wishing to have children may be used in the assisted reproduction process. There is an exception included for cases where the reproductive cells of one partner, or a woman who is not part of a couple, are deemed inadequate, damaged, or insufficient for the procedure. This aspect of the proposal highlights the intention to prioritize natural reproductive elements while allowing for alternative measures when necessary.

Additionally, the proposal permits embryo donation under strict circumstances, specifically stating that embryos must be stored for no less than two years from the date of preservation in reproductive cell banks. Couples or women who are not in a partnership must provide written consent for such donations, thus ensuring a controlled and consent-driven process for embryo use. This legislative action may also resonate with broader discussions on fertility and population issues, contributing to demographic strategies and reflecting changing societal attitudes towards family formation in Lithuania.

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