Sweden\u2019s prime minister puts IVF at the center of his re-election bid, aiming to win female voters as the country faces its lowest fertility rate on record. Ulf Kristersson of the Moderates seeks to expand state-funded IVF and extend support beyond first children if his coalition stays in power.<\/p>\n
The government recently raised the number of state-funded IVF attempts for first-time parents from three to six. Kristersson indicated that, if re-elected, funding could also extend to additional children, though the policy details would be decided during the next term.<\/p>\n
Sweden registers a fertility rate of 1.42 births per woman for last year, the lowest since 1749 when records began. Kristersson cited the statistic in interviews and framed IVF as a tool to address demographic trends.<\/p>\n
Under the law, first-time parents can access six rounds of free IVF. Costs for each extra attempt outside this limit run about 50,000 kronor. The plan covers multiple births as an election pledge, not a fixed family quota.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Elisabet Lann, from the Christian Democrats, argued for broader access to IVF as a means to help more couples realise their family plans. She noted one in six couples in Sweden are involuntarily child-free.<\/p>\n
Opposition party Social Democrats warned against turning IVF for siblings into a political maneuver. Their spokesperson stressed the need for policies that reduce obstacles to parenthood while avoiding short-term signals.<\/p>\n
Experts weigh the political impact differently. A sociologist from Stockholm University cautioned that cultural shifts, not policy alone, drive lower birthrates. He highlighted competing lifestyle choices beyond parenting.<\/p>\n
A political science professor from the University of Gothenburg said the pledge signals attention to women but may not affect wealthier voters much. The race may hinge on coalition dynamics and parliamentary thresholds for smaller parties.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"