Denmark sets male fertility treatment age limit at 55

Denmark will stop offering fertility treatment in the public healthcare system to men over 55 from January, authorities said Tuesday, citing health risks for children conceived through the procedures.

Danske Regioner, which manages the public healthcare system, said men will have to be referred for fertility treatment before the age of 55. “All treatment courses will be stopped when the man turns 56,” it said.

The organisation said research indicates a link between a father's age and a higher risk of pregnancy complications and health challenges for the child.

Men over 55 will still be able to seek fertility treatment in the private healthcare sector.

Until now, Denmark's age limit for fertility treatment applied only to women, who must begin treatment no later than age 40 and complete it before they are over 46.

According to the World Health Organization, one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility. In Denmark, one in nine children is born through fertility treatment.