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Sweden's Record Low Fertility Spurs IVF Funding Promise

5/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sweden's fertility rate fell to 1.42, the lowest since 1749, prompting Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to say his coalition will fund IVF for additional children if it stays in power after September 2026 election.
Health Minister Elisabet Lann said the plan targets one-in-six child-free couples to improve health, while opposition warned it may be a ploy and experts argued that parental leave and childcare, not IVF access, drive birthrate.

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Story summary

Sweden's fertility rate fell to 1.42, the lowest since 1749, prompting Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to say his coalition will fund IVF for additional children if it stays in power after September 2026 election.
Health Minister Elisabet Lann said the plan targets one-in-six child-free couples to improve health, while opposition warned it may be a ploy and experts argued that parental leave and childcare, not IVF access, drive birthrate.