Infertility Treatment: How Saxony Helps Couples Financially - Saxony's Fertility Aid Applications Plummet After Federal Funding Ends in 2024

Fewer couples in Saxony are applying for fertility treatment subsidies in 2024, with a significant drop in 'apps' for IVF and ICSI. The state now funds these treatments entirely on its own after federal support ended earlier this year. Saxony offers financial help for two types of fertility treatments: in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), covering part of the costs for the first three attempts, ranging from €375 to €450 per treatment. For a fourth attempt, the state contributes up to €900. In 2025, a total of 1,051 treatments were funded, with around €325,000 allocated—an average of roughly €309 per procedure.

Not all services qualify for support. Egg or embryo freezing, natural-cycle treatments, and specialised lab procedures are excluded. Eligibility is also restricted: only married heterosexual couples, unmarried different-sex couples living together permanently (with legal paternity recognition), and single women aged 25 to under 40 can apply. Men must be between 25 and under 50. Same-sex couples remain ineligible under current rules.

Critics argue the law needs reform. The Green Party in Saxony has called for changes to the Sachsen-Fruchtbarkeitsförderungsgesetz, pushing for equal access regardless of gender or marital status. Without such updates, the current system continues to exclude many prospective parents.

The drop in applications comes as Saxony shoulders the full financial burden of fertility subsidies. With fewer treatments funded and strict eligibility rules, access remains limited. Any expansion of the programme to include 'apps' for same-sex couples and other excluded groups would require legislative changes.