Tuesday 23 June 2009

IVF in Israel

Often IVF is a very taboo topic of discussion. Not many Olim feel comfortable talking about it or admitting that it is an issue for them. However, that's where Israelis are often different: many are very comfortable discussing all things related to pregnancy and children.

It is the Israeli favorable attitude towards family and children that set them apart from the rest, which is especially evident in the country's policy towards IVF treatments.

As the country's health services are facilitated by the
Kupat Cholim, all have a Va'adat Poriut (Fertility Committee) whose role is to decide whether IVF is the only option left to have children. Once IVF is approved for the couple, they are entitled to receive unlimited treatments until they have 2 children together. There are potentially 6 treatments a year, as the kupot usually like to wait at least one menstral cycle between unsuccessful treatments.

Interestingly, the IVF treatment is determined for the couple and not the individual, which means that if both members of the couple have children from previous relationships, but have had trouble in their current relationship, they are still entitled to unlimited treatment.

Once a couple has 2 successful treatments and have 2 children, there is no other IVF treatmens in the State's main basket, however every kupah offers extra treatments as part of their supplimentary baskets.

The amazing thing is that there is no waiting period for Olim Chadashim. As soon as you become a resident of Israel and obtain your Teudat Zehut you are eligible to begin treatments in the main basket. For the supplimentary basket, you may have to wait a year to qualify.

Israel is a family-friendly country. That is why the government here is willing to work so hard to give everyone the opportunity of having a family of their own.

Be'hatzlacha

Thursday 11 June 2009

Am I under arrest?

The reasons behind making Aliyah can vary from person to person. Some people choose to make Aliyah for ideological reasons, some choose it for employment opportunities and some decide to make Aliyah for reasons they can't explain...they just feel in love with the place.

Whatever the reason, making Aliyah involves bureaucracy.

So to make life easier for everyone, the Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior) decided to implement a new requirement for those who are in Israel and would like to change there status through their office.

The new rule now requires anyone changing their status with the
Misrad Hapnim to present a "character reference or police report" from their country of origin. This means that one must contact the authorities in the relevant country or state and apply for this document.


And if you thought that was all you had to do, you are mistaken. As the report is an official goverment document, it must receive an apostille stamp on it to verify that it is authentic.

So, adding approximately 3 weeks to the process, all of you on tourist/student/work visas who are looking to become Olim Chadashim in Israel should take this into account and factor it into your timeframe.

Wishing you all a speedy application...