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Introduction
Assisted human reproduction (AHR) is one of the fast est-growing healthcare industries in recent years, with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) experiencing the most significant increase in demand. On average, there are 6000 cycles of IVF treatment completed in Ireland each year [1]. The figures now show that one in four couples will experience infertility issues, and whilst all might not need IVF treatment, they will require some form of AHR treatment.
Many AHR international protocols exist: some examples of these are in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intra- fallopian transfer (GIFT), pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST), tubal embryo transfer (TET), and zygote intra- fallopian transfer (ZIFT) [2].
Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) treatment is not regulated in Ireland, although it has been practiced since 1987 [1, 2].
Ireland is the only EU country without any form of AHR specific regulation. A draft NAME_1 has been with the Irish government for three years but has not been introduced into law [3]. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 16 states that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. The UDHR further provides for the right to marry and found a family “without any limitation due to race, nationality, or religion”. The UDHR in Article 25 also implicitly protects the unborn child by providing health services and social security for expectant mothers. Ireland as a member of the UN upholds the UDHR but has not implemented legislation around AHR regulation. Irish couples have trav- elled to other European countries to access these services in more regulated and cost-effective environments. This study aims to:
•Benchmark Ireland’s current status as regards AHR legislation and oversight
•Review AHR legislation from other countries to identify best practice regulatory and patient oversight.

Ireland and AHR
Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility affects approximately
48.5 million couples worldwide (3% of the population), and in developed countries, infertility is diagnosed in 17–26 percent of reproductive age couples. Infertility is a worldwide health issue, with infertility rates increasing in recent years in all communities in both the developing and the developed world [4]. It is not only a medical con- dition, but it is also a social condition [5]. People live in a world where they