Skip to main content

Anna Lindh Foundation

On a path to parenthood through IVF

National Network

North Macedonia

Address

Jane Sandanski 105/2

Country

City

Skopje

Mobile Phone

+38978809430

Telephone

+38978809430

E-Mail

info@dobebepopatotnaivf.org.mk

E-Mail (2)

office@dobebepopatotnaivf.org.mk

E-Mail (3)

despina.petrovska@gmail.com

Year of Establishment

2020

Facebook

Click Here

Contact Person1

Despina Petrovska

Job Title 1

President

Contact Person 2

Natasha G. Bozinov

Job Title 2

Project manager

Organisation Type

Non-Governmental Organization

Fields of Activity

Human rights

General Information

We are the only association in our country who fight for the rights and conditions of the people dealing with reproductive challenges.

Mission and Objectives

MISSION
The Association “On the Path to Parenthood through IVF” works to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for parenthood for women, couples, and individuals facing reproductive challenges, including those who are involuntarily childless. This is achieved through the provision of information, psychological support, education, and public advocacy. The organization contributes to improving access to medically assisted reproduction and to increasing the financial and institutional availability of reproductive services, through partnerships with public institutions, healthcare providers, and the civil society sector.

VISION
The Association aspires to a society in which infertility is recognized as a priority health and social issue, free from stigma and discrimination, and where the healthcare system ensures equal, fair, and accessible access to reproductive services and psychological support. The vision includes policies based on citizens’ needs and an environment in which everyone has an informed and supported opportunity to exercise their right to parenthood.

The Association operates based on the principles of transparency, independence, non-profit orientation, non-partisanship, equal opportunities, ethics, partnership, humanity, and sustainability.

Main Projects / Activities

1. Public Hearing: “Towards Changes in the Legal Framework for Greater Support to Patients Facing Infertility” (28.05.2022)

A public hearing was held in the Assembly of North Macedonia, organized by the Association for Human Reproduction and Assisted Fertilization “On the Path to Parenthood through IVF.” Conclusions were proposed, with a key focus on increasing the number of IVF vouchers to a total of six, regardless of whether it is for a first, second, third, or fourth child.

Additional conclusions included:

* Inclusion of a larger portion of therapy on the positive reimbursement list
* Launching awareness campaigns on donation possibilities
* Establishment of a software registry for IVF procedures
* Introduction of regular gynecological screenings for young women
* Organization of counseling services in high schools and universities
* Revision of regulations in line with modern developments in assisted reproduction

The conclusions were submitted to relevant institutions. Nearly three years later, implementation has begun, including updates to the positive list and amendments to the Law on Assisted Reproduction, increasing vouchers from three to six.

2. Participation in EU Workshop – B2-IVF Project (21–23.10.2022)

Through the EU Horizon 2020 programme, this project explored young people’s perceptions of assisted reproduction and how clinics can better tailor their services.

Eight countries participated: North Macedonia, Italy, Kosovo, Albania, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, and Slovenia.

As a result, a handbook was developed with country-specific recommendations based on interviews with young people and analysis of online clinic information.

3. Project: “Be the Missing Piece of Our Micromosaic” (4 consecutive years)

This project aims to ease the IVF journey, recognizing it as a complex process made up of many small but crucial elements.

Activities include a holiday donation initiative providing support to reduce financial and psychological burden. Contributions came from IVF clinics, endocrinologists, pharmaceutical companies, psychologists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation centers.

Feedback from beneficiaries was highly positive, confirming the importance of this support.

4. “Coffee Meetings” (since 14.11.2023)

Monthly support group meetings that have evolved into a strong community for individuals facing infertility.

The goal is to:

* Build closer relationships with patients
* Understand their experiences and challenges
* Provide a sense of belonging and emotional support

Participants also receive free consultations with professionals. The initiative continues to grow steadily.

5. Participation in Avicena Women’s Race – Raising Awareness on Infertility (07.04.2024)

Under the motto:
**“We run for new life, for parenthood! IVF is not your shame, it is your pride!”**

The event aimed to:

* Raise awareness of infertility as a global health issue
* Reduce stigma
* Promote solidarity and support

The initiative successfully increased public awareness and attracted institutional and media attention.

6. “You Are Not Alone! The Best Is Yet to Come” – International Women’s Day (08.03.2025)

This initiative focused on supporting women undergoing IVF.

Key objectives:

* Raising awareness
* Providing encouragement and emotional support
* Reducing stigma

Flowers with motivational messages were distributed in IVF clinics. The event received strong public and media support.

7. FActs! Game Project (May–June 2025)

In collaboration with Fertility Europe, the association contributed to disseminating an interactive educational game on reproductive health.

The game was translated into Macedonian to improve accessibility and engagement among youth.

8. Donor Circle (12.06.2025)

Participation in a project organized by Konekt Skopje to connect NGOs with socially responsible companies.

Key focuses:

* Expansion of “coffee meetings” nationwide
* Development of an online tool “Path to Baby” providing clear guidance on IVF procedures, rights, and documentation

The project increased public visibility and awareness.

9. European Fertility Week (03–09.11.2025)

Under the slogan:
**“Knowledge is Power, Facts Bring Change”**

Activities included:

* Awareness campaigns
* Public events and discussions
* A widely viewed testimonial video
* Panels with experts and policymakers
* Community events and online myth-busting campaign

The initiative emphasized the importance of accurate information in reducing stigma.

10. “YOU ARE NOT A NUMBER, YOU ARE CHANGE” (25.11–10.12.2025)

As part of the global **“16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”**, the association participated in an advocacy network.

Activities included:

* Free psychological support hotline
* Public event: “Behind the Smile: Preventing Violence Against Women Facing Reproductive Challenges”
* Online awareness campaign addressing stigma and discrimination

The initiative:

* Raised awareness of psychological, economic, and social violence
* Strengthened solidarity among women
* Enabled dialogue between citizens, experts, and policymakers

It reaffirmed the association’s role as a key stakeholder in policy development and advocacy.

Approved