One of the founding principles of our NHS is a commitment to providing fair and equal access to healthcare. It is this principle that ignites such passion in us all when it is threatened or belittled. Yet the recent revelation that 13 areas of England have restricted or completely halted IVF treatment, with a further eight consulting on similar steps, shows that we are failing in this commitment. The World Health Organisation defines infertility as a disease. And guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend that women under 40 with fertility problems should be offered three full cycles of IVF on the NHS. But more than 80% of patients do not currently receive this. Those who have been through IVF treatment know that it is often a difficult and emotional process, and requires deep commitment to having a child. Critics claim infertility is not a life-threatening condition. Yet fertility treatment creates life, and in my mind that is just as vital to our society. By denying NHS funding for IVF treatment we are creating inequality, where only those with the resources are able to fight for that choice to become parents. As an NHS consultant, … Continue reading →

A Swadlincote couple who have been trying to have a baby for six years have slammed plans to cut NHS IVF treatment in some areas across the country, saying the move is "playing with people's lives". Chris and Kelly Chambers are unable to conceive naturally after a number of health issues. The couple, who are desperate for a baby, say a recent announcement that some areas in England will cut back on IVF treatment, is shattering for those who have no other choice. The couple have endured heartbreak and say they have been on an emotional rollercoaster on their journey to complete their family. It comes after Kelly, 32, who have suffered three ectopic pregnancies which have resulted in the removal of both of her fallopian tubes, spoke out after charity Fertility Network UK warned of stricter access criteria for NHS IVF. They are not entitled to have IVF treatment on the NHS because Chris has two children from a previous relationship. To qualify for treatment in the UK couples cannot already have children, even from previous relationships. In a new move, Richmond clinical commissioning group (CCG) in south-west London is introducing tighter access criteria for NHS IVF treatment while … Continue reading →

TWO men have beaten incredible odds to become the first Scottish same-sex couple to be expectant dads by groundbreaking IVF treatment and they are having twins. Ryan Walker and Chris Watson are expecting the patter of tiny feet within the next six weeks after a Scots surrogate mother stepped in to help them realise their dream of becoming fathers. Incredibly, the surrogate mum is also in a same-sex relationship and decided to help after she had a child using a donor. We are absolutely thrilled to have not just one baby coming but two, Ryan, 32, told The Sunday Post last night. It feels like we have won the Lottery. The engaged couple, from Falkirk, were turned down by several IVF clinics in Scotland for the cutting-edge fertility treatment because they are in a gay relationship. They were eventually taken on by the GCRM clinic in Glasgow and, after two heart-breaking failed attempts at becoming dads, they were given the happy news in January that the surrogate mother was having a boy and a girl. It was disappointing that in this day and age some clinics declined us for treatment because we are a same-sex couple, Chris, 28, said. But … Continue reading →

Comments(1) Women in Devon and Cornwall who need help to have a baby are the losers in a "postcode lottery" for NHS fertility treatment, it has emerged. A fertility expert has warned that plans to cut back on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in some areas of England amount to "deliberate inequality". The charity Fertility Network UK has warned of stricter access criteria and plans to cut NHS IVF. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidelines say the NHS should provide three full cycles of IVF treatment for women aged under 40 who have failed to get pregnant after two years of trying. Clinical commissioning groups in Devon and Cornwall already offer only one free attempt for women under 40. Susan Seenan, chief executive of Fertility Network UK, said: "NICE recommends that up to three cycles of IVF treatment are offered to those eligible. "The recommendations are based on cost as well as clinical effectiveness and by offering only one cycle Devon and Cornwall are going completely against national guidance. "Infertility has a serious and lasting impact on all those affected and fertility problems do not just affect people physically, but mentally too: our recent survey showed that … Continue reading →