Forty-two years have passed since the birth of the first child conceived after IVF of a human oocyte and subsequent transfer into the uterus of the ensuing embryo. Since then, the methods of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) are being widely applied all over the world but, at the same time, scientists, policy makers and ethicists have started the debate regarding the necessity of laws and regulations governing the application of these methods, especially due to the possible risks associated with their application.

This chapter highlights the main legal and ethical issues associated with assisted conception, especially the fact that the lack of a common and binding position among European countries gives rise to problems of particular importance (i.e. non-egalitarian access of all European citizens to the achievements and advancements of reproductive technology, reproductive tourism, or problems associated with international scientific cooperation).