Thérapie Fertility welcomes national focus on fertility care and calls for swift, full regulation of the sector 

Fertility clinic urges patients to ask for the evidence behind every treatment offered to them 

Thérapie Fertility today welcomed RTÉ Investigates: Fertility Uncovered and the national conversation it raises about how individuals and couples are cared for during fertility treatment. The clinic paid tribute to the women and couples who shared their personal stories in the programme. Speaking openly about fertility struggles takes great bravery, and their honesty will help others going through the same experience feel less alone. 

Forty years on from Ireland's first IVF birth, more people than ever are seeking fertility care. Thérapie Fertility believes that this growth must be matched by strong and independent oversight. The clinic supports the full commencement of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2024 and the full establishment of the dedicated regulator, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), as quickly as possible. 

Like all fertility providers in Ireland, Thérapie Fertility has to date been regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Though this regulation is stringent, Thérapie Fertility has chosen to go further, through independent accreditation, to ensure the necessary safeguards are in place. It was the first fertility clinic to attain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and the first clinic in Ireland to hold both the European Fertility Society's Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme (PCCP) and the ESHRE ART Centre Certification for Good Clinical Practice. Thérapie Fertility welcomes a dedicated regulator and, like all providers, looks forward to working with it. 

Evidence first, for every patient 

Thérapie Fertility's approach is built on three commitments: care that is affordable, accessible and evidence based. Fertility medicine is advancing quickly, and some newer treatments may in time prove useful as the evidence builds. That is why clear national standards matter: a regulator can set out which treatments should be offered and how patients are informed about them. Until then, Thérapie Fertility does not offer any add-on that is not backed by scientific research, and its care is in line with the UK regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which uses a traffic-light rating system to show the evidence behind potential add-ons. 

Dr John Kennedy, Group Medical Director, Thérapie Fertility, said: 

"People come to us at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. They deserve honesty about their chances, clarity about cost, and treatment grounded in evidence, not hope alone. For this reason, we have never offered add-ons that aren't supported by scientific evidence, and we are proud of our commitment to affordable, accessible and evidence-based fertility care. We welcome a dedicated regulator, and we want a public system that is fair and equal for everyone who needs fertility care. Good regulation protects patients, and it strengthens trust in the clinics doing this work properly." 

Advice for patients 

Thérapie Fertility encourages anyone considering treatment, with any provider, to ask: 

1. What is the evidence that this treatment or add-on will improve my chance of having a baby? 

1. What are my realistic chances, based on my age and diagnosis? 

1. What will the full course of treatment cost, including medication and any extras? 

1. Am I eligible for the HSE publicly funded scheme, and what are my options if I am not? 

Access to care 

Thérapie Fertility warmly welcomed the introduction of publicly funded IVF in 2023 and is proud to provide care under the HSE-funded scheme. While huge progress has been made, the eligibility criteria remain tight, and many people are excluded, including those with a BMI above 30, those who need donor sperm, and people with endometriosis seeking to preserve their fertility. Thérapie Fertility wants a public system that is fair for all and looks forward to the scheme continuing to progress.