Austria

Austria’s Highest ⁢Court Strikes‌ Down Ban‍ on ‘Social Egg Freezing’

Vienna, Austria ⁢- Austria’s Constitutional Court (VfGH) has overturned a ban preventing individuals from freezing eggs and sperm without a ‍medical reason, a landmark ‌decision paving the way for “social⁤ egg freezing” and expanding reproductive rights. The ruling, announced today, deems the previous legal restrictions a violation of basic rights.

The practice, often​ referred to as “social egg freezing,” allows individuals⁢ to⁤ preserve their fertility for non-medical reasons, such as delaying parenthood for‍ career or personal​ goals. Previously, Austrian law limited egg ⁢and sperm freezing to⁢ cases of⁤ medical necessity, like cancer treatment. The vfgh’s decision now ⁣opens​ the door for legislation ⁤permitting the⁣ procedure for all,‍ prompting swift reactions from political parties⁤ and medical professionals.

Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) responded positively, stating, “We have⁢ to make⁣ the possibility for young⁢ people to have their own family as great as possible,” and acknowledging support ⁢”if the natural path to a family is not easy.” She indicated egg and sperm freezing could be a viable option.

the NEOS and the Greens welcomed the‌ decision. “Social Egg‌ freezing means: We trust women ‌to make their own decisions,” said Henrike Brandstötter, NEOS⁤ women’s spokesperson, adding her party will⁣ work to swiftly incorporate ‍the ruling into a ‍draft law. Green women’s spokeswoman Meri ‌Disoski​ called ⁤it an “overdue success for equality and‍ self-determination” on Bluesky. Notably,the National Council’s Equal Treatment Committee had‌ postponed a motion from⁣ the Greens seeking the legalization of “social⁣ egg freezing” just prior to the VfGH announcement. The FPÖ, though, remains opposed, with women’s ⁤spokeswoman ‍Rosa Ecker ⁤emphasizing her party’s⁤ rejection of⁢ the practice.

Andreas⁢ Obruca, ​medical director ‌of the Fertility Center at Vienna and President of the Austrian Society for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF Society), hailed the ruling as a ​”milestone for both women and men to self-determine their fertility.”⁢ He expressed hope for rapid implementation​ while also stressing the obligation of reproductive medicine doctors to “educate people about the limits,⁣ side effects and hurdles of social freezing.” ‌Obruca advocated for ‍sensible restrictions, such as an age limit for⁢ using one’s⁢ own eggs.