810.11
Federal Act
on Medically Assisted Reproduction
(Reproductive Medicine Act, RMA)
of 18 December 1998 (Status as of 1 August 2025)
Preamble
The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation,
on the basis of Articles 119 paragraph 2 and 122 paragraph 1 of the Federal Constitution1,2
and having considered the Dispatch of the Federal Council dated 26 June 19963,
decrees:
Chapter 1 General Provisions
Art. 1 Subject and purpose
This Act specifies the conditions under which the techniques of medically assisted reproduction may be used in humans.
It protects human dignity, personality and the family and prohibits misuses of biotechnology and gene technology.
It provides for the establishment of a national ethics commission.
Art. 2 Definitions
In this Act:
techniques of medically assisted reproduction (assisted reproductive techniques) means methods of establishing a pregnancy without sexual intercourse – in particular, insemination, in vitro fertilisation with embryo transfer and gamete transfer;
insemination means the introduction, by means of instruments, of sperm cells into the female reproductive organs;
in vitro fertilisation means the bringing together of an ovum and sperm cells outside the woman’s body;
gamete transfer means the introduction, by means of instruments, of sperm cells and ova into the uterus or a Fallopian tube;
reproductive cells (gametes) means sperm cells and ova;
germline cells means reproductive cells (including their precursor cells), impregnated ova and embryonic cells whose genetic material can be passed on to offspring;
impregnation means causing a sperm cell to penetrate into the cytoplasm of an ovum, in particular by insemination, gamete transfer or in vitro fertilisation;
impregnated ovum means the fertilised ovum before pronuclear fusion;
embryo means the developing offspring from the time of pronuclear fusion until the end of organogenesis;
foetus means the developing offspring from the end of organogenesis until birth;
surrogate mother means a woman who is prepared to become pregnant by means of an assisted reproductive technique, to carry the foetus to term and to surrender the child permanently to third parties after delivery;
cloning means the artificial production of genetically identical organisms;
chimera formation means the fusion of totipotent cells from two or more genetically different embryos. Embryonic cells are totipotent if they are capable of developing into any type of specialised cell;
hybrid formation means causing a non-human sperm cell to penetrate into a human ovum, or a human sperm cell into a non-human ovum.
Chapter 2 Techniques of Medically Assisted Reproduction
Section 1 Principles
Art. 3 Well-being of the child
Assisted reproductive techniques may be used only if the well-being of the child is ensured.
They may only be used in couples:
where a basis for a parent-child relationship exists in accordance with Articles 252–263 of the Swiss Civil Code4 (CC); and
5who, on the basis of their age and personal circumstances, are likely to be able to care for and bring up the child until it reaches the age of majority.
Only married couples may use donated sperm cells.
Reproductive cells or impregnated ova may not be used after the death of the person from whom they were obtained. The foregoing does not apply to sperm cells from sperm donors.6
Impregnated ova and embryos in vitro may no longer be used following the death of any one oft he couple concerned.7
Art. 4 Prohibited practices
Ovum and embryo donation and surrogate motherhood are prohibited.
Art. 58 Authorisation requirements for reproductive techniques
Assisted reproductive techniques may be used only if:
the aim is to enable a couple to overcome infertility and other treatment methods have failed or offer no prospect of success; or
there is no other way of avoiding the risk of transmitting a serious disease to the offspring.
Art. 5a9 Analysis of the genetic material of reproductive cells and embryos in vitro and their selection
The analysis of the genetic material of reproductive cells and their selection to influence the sex or other characteristics of the child are only permitted in order to identify chromosomal properties that may inhibit the development capacity of the embryo to be created, or if there is no other way of avoiding the risk of transmitting a predisposition for a serious disease. Article 22 paragraph 4 is reserved.
The analysis of the genetic material of embryos in vitro and their selection according to sex or according to other characteristics are only permitted if:
there is no other way of avoiding the risk of an embryo with a hereditary predisposition for a serious disease from implanting in the uterus;
it is probable that the serious disease will occur before the age of 50;
no effective or expedient therapy is available for combating the serious disease; and
the couple have informed the physician in writing that they are not prepared to accept the risk in terms of letter a.
They are also permitted in order to identify chromosomal properties that may inhibit the development capacity of the embryo.
Art. 5b10 Consent of the couple
Reproductive techniques may only be used if the couple concerned have given their written consent after being given sufficient information and counselling.. After three unsuccessful treatment cycles, renewed consent and a further period for reflection are required.
The couple’s written consent is also required for the reactivation of preserved embryos and impregnated ova.
If an assisted reproductive technique involves an increased risk of multiple pregnancy, the procedure may be carried out only if the couple are prepared to accept a multiple birth.
Art. 6 Information and counselling
Before an assisted reproductive technique is used, the physician must adequately inform the couple about:11
the various causes of infertility;
the medical procedure, including the prospects of success and the risks involved;
the risk of a multiple pregnancy;
possible psychological and physical stresses; and
the legal and financial aspects.
In the counselling session, appropriate reference should also be made to alternative ways of living and other family-building options.
There must be an appropriate period for reflection, generally lasting four weeks, between the counselling session and treatment. It must be pointed out that the couple may also seek independent advice.
Psychological support must be offered before, during and after treatment.
Art. 6a12 Additional duties to provide information and counselling
Before reproductive techniques with the analysis of the genetic material of reproductive cells or embryos in vitro or with the selection of donor sperm cells to prevent the transmission of a serious disease are carried out, the physician shall, in addition to the provision of information and counselling in accordance with Article 6, ensure that the couple concerned receive non-directive, expert genetic counselling. In this connection, the couple must receive sufficient information on:
the frequency, significance and probability of contracting the disease and its potential symptoms;
prophylactic and therapeutic measures that may be taken against the disease;
ways of organising the life of a child that suffers from the disease;
the informative value of and risk of error in the analysis of the genetic material;
risks that reproductive techniques carry for offspring;
13associations for parents of children with disabilities, self-help groups and information and counselling centres in terms of Article 24 of the Federal Act of 15 June 201814 on Human Genetic Testing (HGTA).
Counselling may only concern the individual and family situation of the couple concerned and not the interests of society as a whole.
The physician carries out the selection of one or more embryos for transfer to the uterus following a further counselling session.
The physician must keep records of the counselling sessions.
Art. 6b15 Applicable Provisions of the HGTA
The following provisions of the HGTA16 apply mutatis mutandis to assisted reproductive techniques with the analysis of the genetic material of reproductive cells or embryos in vitro:
with regard to the right to information and the right not to know genetic data: Articles 7 and 8 HGTA;
with regard to avoiding an excess of information when conducting analyses: Article 9 HGTA;
with regard to protecting samples and genetic data, the duration of their retention and their use for a different purpose: Articles 10–12 HGTA;
with regard to handling genetic data in relation to employment and insurance and in liability cases: Articles 39 letter b, 43 paragraph 3 and 45 HGTA.
Art. 717
Section 2 Licensing requirements
Art. 818 Principles
A cantonal licence is required by any person who:
uses assisted reproductive techniques;
receives reproductive cells, impregnated ova or embryos in vitro for preservation or arranges the supply of donated sperm cells without personally using assisted reproductive techniques.
Laboratories that conduct analyses of genetic material in connection with reproductive techniques in terms of Article 5a require a licence in terms of Article 28 paragraph 1 HGTA19.20
No licence is required for insemination using a partner’s sperm cells.
Art. 9 Use of assisted reproductive techniques
A licence in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 letter a shall only be granted to physicians.21
They must:
have the necessary training and experience in the methods of medically assisted reproduction;
ensure that such activities are carried out with due care and in compliance with the law;
together with staff, ensure that the persons to be treated receive comprehensive counselling and support with regard to the medical, reproductive biological and socio-psychological aspects of the procedure;
have the necessary laboratory equipment;
22ensure that the reproductive cells, impregnated ova and embryos in vitro are preserved according to the state of the art in science and practice.
If the genetic material from reproductive cells or embryos in vitro is analysed as part of the reproductive technique, they must also:
demonstrate they have sufficient knowledge of medical genetics; and
guarantee that the procedure and cooperation with the laboratories concerned accords with the state of the art in science and practice.23
Art. 10 Preservation and supply of reproductive cells, impregnated ova and embryos in vitro24
A licence in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 letter b shall only be granted to physicians.25
They must:
ensure that such activities are carried out with due care and in compliance with the law;
together with staff, ensure that sperm donors are carefully selected; and
26ensure that reproductive cells, impregnated ova and embryos in vitro are preserved according to the state of science and practice.
Art. 11 Reporting
Persons holding a licence in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 must submit an annual report on their activities to the cantonal licensing authority.27
The report must provide information on:
the number and type of treatments;
the type of indications;
the use of donated sperm cells;
the number of pregnancies and their outcome;
28the preservation and use of reproductive cells, impregnated ova and embryos in vitro;
the number of surplus embryos.
It must not contain any information revealing the identity of specific people.
The cantonal licensing authority shall transmit the data to the Federal Statistical Office for evaluation and publication.29
Art. 1230 Supervision
The licensing authority shall verify whether:
the requirements for granting a licence have been met;
the obligations and any conditions have been fulfilled
It shall carry out inspections and may enter properties, business premises and rooms. The licence holder must provide the licensing authority with the required information and documents and any other support on request and free of charge.
It may take any measures that are required to enforce this Act. In particular, in the case of serious infringements of this Act, it may prohibit the use of rooms or facilities, close business premises and suspend or revoke licences.
The Federal Council may delegate enforcement tasks, and in particular inspection tasks, to public or private organisations and persons. It shall ensure that payment is made for the delegated tasks.
Art. 1331
Art. 14 Implementing provisions
The Federal Council shall enact the implementing provisions concerning the granting and withdrawal of licences, and reporting and supervision.
Section 2a32 Evaluation
Art. 14a
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) shall ensure that the impact of the provisions of this Act relating to the analysis of the genetic material of embryos in vitro and their selection is evaluated.
The evaluation shall relate in particular to:
the compatibility of the indications reported in accordance with Article 11 paragraph 2 letter b in respect of reproductive techniques with analysis of the genetic material of embryos in order to prevent transmitting the predisposition for a serious disease on the one hand with the authorisation requirements in accordance with Article 5a paragraph 2 on the other;
the survey of the number of couples and the procedures carried out as well as the results;
the procedures relating to enforcement and supervision;
the impacts on society.
The holders of a licence in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 must on request provide the FOPH and the person appointed to conduct the evaluation with the data required for the evaluation in anonymised form.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs shall provide the Federal Council with a report on conclusion of the evaluation and make proposals for further action.
Section 3 Handling of Reproductive Material
Art. 15 Preservation of reproductive cells
Reproductive cells may be preserved only with the written consent of the person from whom they were obtained, and for a maximum of five years. At the request of this person, the preservation period shall be extended by a maximum of five years.33
A longer preservation period may be agreed with persons who have their reproductive cells preserved with a view to producing their own offspring at a later date because medical treatment they undergo or an activity they carry out could lead to infertility or damage to their genetic material.
The person from whom the reproductive cells are obtained may, at any time, in writing, revoke consent to their preservation and use.
If consent is revoked or the preservation period expires, then the reproductive cells are to be destroyed immediately.
Art. 16 Preservation of impregnated ova and embryos in vitro34
Impregnated ova and embryos in vitro may only be preserved if:35
36the couple concerned give their written consent; and
preservation is intended to permit subsequent establishment of a pregnancy.
The preservation period is limited to five years. At the request of the couple concerned, the preservation period shall be extended by a maximum of five years.37
Either partner may revoke his or her consent at any time in writing.38
If consent is revoked and the preservation period expires, then the impregnated ova and the embryos in vitro shall be be destroyed immediately. The provisions of the Stem Cell Research Act of 19 December 200339 and the Transplantation Act of 8 October 200440 are reserved.41,42
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Art. 17 Development of embryos
The number of impregnated ova developed into embryos outside the woman’s body within one treatment cycle must not be greater than is required for medically assisted reproduction or for the analysis of the genetic material of the embryos; the maximum number shall be twelve.44
The embryo may only be developed outside the woman’s body to the extent that is essential in order to permit implantation in the uterus.
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Section 4 Sperm Donation
Art. 18 The donor’s informed consent
Donated sperm cells may only be used in legitimate assisted reproductive techniques and for purposes to which the donor has given his written consent.
Before donating sperm, the donor must be informed in writing about the legal situation, and in particular the right of the child to obtain information on the donor’s records (Art. 27).
Art. 19 Selection of donors
Donors must be carefully selected according to medical criteria; in particular, health risks for the recipient of the donated sperm cells must be excluded as far as possible. Other selection criteria are prohibited.
The donor may provide his sperm cells to only one centre; he must be expressly informed of this restriction prior to donation.
Art. 20 Supply of donated sperm cells
Donated sperm cells may only be supplied to persons who have a licence to use assisted reproductive techniques; the data specified in Article 24 paragraph 2 is also to be provided.
Any person who receives donated sperm cells must ensure compliance with Article 22 paragraph 2.
Art. 21 Non-remuneration
No payment shall be made for sperm donation as such.
Art. 22 Use of donated sperm cells
Sperm cells from different donors must not be used within one cycle.
Sperm cells from one donor may be used to produce a maximum of eight children.
When an assisted reproductive technique is used, the relationship between the persons from whom the reproductive cells are obtained must not constitute an impediment to marriage in accordance with Article 95 CC46.
When donated sperm cells are selected, only the donor’s blood group and similarity in physical appearance to the man with whom filiation is to be established shall be taken into account.
Art. 23 Filiation
If a child is conceived through sperm donation in accordance with the provisions of this Act, neither the child nor the husband or wife of the mother can contest filiation with the husband or wife of the mother.47
If a child has been conceived through sperm donation, a paternity action against the sperm donor (Art. 261 ff. CC) is not permitted; however, such an action is permissible if the donor knowingly donated sperm at the place of a person who was not licensed to use assisted reproductive techniques or to preserve and supply donated sperm cells.
Art. 24 Documentation requirements
Any person who receives or uses donated sperm cells must document the donation in a reliable manner.
In particular, the following data about the donor is to be recorded:
family name and first name, date and place of birth, place of residence, place of origin in Switzerland or nationality, occupation and education;
date of the sperm donation;
results of the medical examination;
information about physical appearance.
The following data concerning the woman for whom the donated sperm cells are used and her husband or wife shall be recorded:48
family name and first name, date and place of birth, place of residence, place of origin in Switzerland or nationality;
date on which the sperm cells are used.
Art. 25 Transmission of data
Immediately after the birth of the child, the physician who carried out the reproductive procedure must transmit the data specified in Article 24 to the Federal Civil Status Office (Federal Office).
If the physician has not been informed of a birth, then he or she must transmit the data immediately after the calculated date of birth, unless it has been established that the treatment was unsuccessful.
The Federal Council shall enact the necessary provisions on data protection.
Art. 26 Retention of data
The Federal Office shall retain the data for 80 years.
Art. 27 Information
Once the child has reached 18 years of age, he or she may request information from the Federal Office about the donor’s physical appearance and personal data (Art. 24 para. 2 lets. a and d).
In addition, the child may at any time request information on all the data relating to the donor (Art. 24 para. 2) if he or she has a legitimate interest in obtaining it.
Before the Federal Office discloses personal data, it shall inform the donor if possible. If the donor does not wish to have personal contact, then the child must be informed and made aware of the donor’s rights of privacy and his family’s entitlement to protection. If the child insists on his or her right to obtain information under paragraph 1, the information shall be provided.
The Federal Council may assign responsibility for handling requests for information to a specialised federal commission.
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Chapter 3 National Ethics Commission
Art. 28
The Federal Council shall establish a national ethics commission.
The commission shall monitor developments in assisted reproductive techniques and gene technology in the area of human medicine and comment from an ethical perspective, in an advisory capacity, on associated social, scientific and legal issues.
In particular, the commission shall have the following tasks:
to draw up additional guidelines relating to this Act;
to identify gaps in the legislation;
to advise the Federal Assembly, the Federal Council and the cantons on request;
to inform the public about important findings and to promote debate on ethical matters within society.
The Federal Council shall determine the other tasks to be carried out by the commission in the area of human medicine. It shall enact implementing provisions.
Chapter 4 Criminal Provisions
Art. 2950 Production of embryos for illegitimate purposes
Any person who produces an embryo by impregnation with the intention of using it or having it used for purposes other than the establishment of a pregnancy shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.
The same penalty shall apply to any person who preserves an impregnated ovum or an embryo in vitro with the intention of using it or having it used for purposes other than the establishment of a pregnancy.
Art. 30 Development of embryos outside the woman’s body
Any person who allows an embryo to develop outside the woman’s body beyond the point at which implantation in the uterus remains possible shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.51
The same penalty shall apply to any person who transfers a human embryo to an animal.
Art. 31 Surrogate motherhood
Any person who uses an assisted reproductive technique in a surrogate mother shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.52
The same penalty shall apply to any person who acts as an intermediary for surrogate motherhood.
Art. 3253 Misuse of reproductive material
Any person who uses reproductive material obtained from an embryo or foetus to bring about impregnation or further development into an embryo shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.
Any person who purchases or sells human reproductive material or products derived from embryos or foetuses shall be liable to custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.
If the offender acts in a professional capacity, the penalty shall be a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or a monetary penalty.54
Art. 3355 Analysis of the genetic material and selection of reproductive cells and embryos in vitro
Any person who in the course of a reproductive technique analyses the genetic material of reproductive cells or embryos in vitro and selects them according to their sex or according to other characteristics without overcoming infertility or avoiding the transmission of the predisposition to a serious disease to the offspring shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.
Art. 3456 Acting without consent or a licence
Any person who uses an assisted reproductive technique without the consent of the person from whom the reproductive cells are obtained or of the couple being treated shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.
The same penalty shall apply to any person who, acting without a licence or having obtained a licence by fraudulent means, uses assisted reproductive techniques or preserves or supplies reproductive cells, impregnated ova or embryos in vitro or arranges analyses of the genetic material of embryos in vitro.
Art. 35 Germ-line modifications
Any person who genetically modifies a germline cell or an embryonic cell shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.57
The same penalty shall apply to any person who uses a genetically modified reproductive cell for impregnation or uses a similarly modified impregnated ovum for further development into an embryo.
Paragraph 1 does not apply if the modification of germline cells is an unavoidable concomitant effect of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or another medical treatment that a person is undergoing.
Art. 36 Cloning, chimera and hybrid formation
Any person who creates a clone, a chimera or a hybrid shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.58
The same penalty shall apply to any person who transfers a chimera or a hybrid to a woman or to an animal.
Art. 37 Contraventions
Any person who wilfully:
a. uses an assisted reproductive technique in a woman in contravention of Article 3 paragraph 2 letter a and paragraph 3;
b. 59uses reproductive cells obtained from a person who is deceased, with the exception of the sperm cells of a deceased sperm donor;
bbis. 60uses impregnated ova or embryos in vitro obtained from a couple one of whom is deceased;
c. uses donated ova, develops an embryo using donated ova and donated sperm cells, or transfers a donated embryo to a woman;
d. uses assisted reproductive techniques in the absence of a permissible indication;
e. 61...
f. preserves reproductive material in contravention of Articles 15, 16 and 42;
g. develops embryos in contravention of Article 17 paragraph 1;
h. donates sperm cells to several holders of licences under Article 8 paragraph 1;
i. uses donated sperm cells in contravention of Article 22 paragraphs 1–3;
j. incorrectly or incompletely records data required in accordance with Article 24;
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 100,000 francs.62
Art. 38 Competent authority
The prosecution and adjudication of offences under this Act is the responsibility of the cantons.
Chapter 5 Final Provisions
Section 1 Amendment of Current Legislation
Art. 39
…63
Section 2 Transitional Provisions
Art. 40 Licensing
Any person who requires a licence according to Article 8 paragraph 1 must submit an application, together with the required documents, to the licensing authority within three months after the commencement of this Act.
Any person who does not submit the application within the specified period must discontinue the activities concerned.
Art. 41 Information
Articles 18 and 24–27 also apply if sperm cells have been donated before, but are only used after, the commencement of this Act.
In all other cases, physicians who have used assisted reproductive techniques using donated reproductive cells must provide information, with the provisions of Article 27 applying mutatis mutandis.
Art. 42 Storage of embryos
Any person who is storing embryos when this Act commences must inform the licensing authority accordingly within three months. Article 11 applies.
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Art. 43 Filiation
Article 23 also applies to children conceived before the commencement of this Act by means of an assisted reproductive technique using donor sperm.
Art. 43a65 Transitional Provision to the Amendment of 12 December 2014
The submission of reports and proposals in accordance with Article 14a paragraph 4 shall take place for the first time five years after the Amendment of 12 December 2014 comes into force.
Section 3 Referendum and Commencement
Art. 44
This Act is subject to an optional referendum.
The Federal Council shall determine the commencement date.
Commencement date: 1 January 200166