#MyFertilityMatters: Our campaign for fairer IVF treatment could spark a major debate in parliament
We've now raised the issue with Health Ministers
Last updated 9th Jul 2021
We're taking our campaign to change IVF rules to the top, by asking ministers for a debate in parliament.
All week we've been exposing the fact that people like Sarah from Lincoln, Caroline from Scunthorpe and Klara from Durham are being denied NHS support simply because they have a stepchild in the family.
The rules have shocked fertility experts and listeners into taking action as over 12,000 people sign a petition demanding change.
We've now taken the campaign a step further, by raising the issue with top ministers, starting with Health Minister Edward Argar.
"I do look forward to seeing the issue debated"
"This is a very sensitive and very difficult issue.
"It’s something that I know my colleagues Nadine Dorries and Jo Churchill in the department will be looking at very carefully.
"I do look forward to seeing the issue debated when those signatures come in."
"It's unfair"
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth has also backed our calls for change.
"I think the IVF rules are so unfair,
"I know how import it is for a couple to be able to have a baby.
"It’s what life’s all about, having a child isn’t it, for many people."
What does The Department of Health and Social Care have to say?
“Patients should have fair and equal access to NHS infertility treatment when they need it.
“Decisions on IVF funding and treatment are rightly made by clinical commissioning groups in line with NICE guidelines which set out how infertility treatment can be offered in the most cost-effective way.”
"Decisions on the provision of local health services are made by independent local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and these are based on the clinical needs of the local population.
"NHS England has oversight of the whole commissioning system and has stated that it expects all those involved in commissioning infertility treatment services to be fully aware of the importance of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) fertility guidelines.
"We are committed to creating a health and care system that works for all women and we urge all women to come forward and share their experiences in our call for evidence so we can create the first government-led Women’s Health Strategy that will improve the health and wellbeing of all women across England."
MPs have already started pledging their support.
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson wasn't aware of the restrictions until we questioned her on them.
She has this promise for those affected.
"I will do my very best to ensure that these services are available to you.
"I understand that what you’re facing must be unbearably difficult and I will do everything I can to help to get these services for you."
"It's incredibly expensive and a huge barrier for a lot of people who are unable to go private"
Welsh MP Alex Davies-Jones was denied NHS IVF because her husband has 2 children.
"It adds to that shame of not only being unable to conceive a child but then having that rejection and having that door slammed in your face and another barrier instilled in front of you to be able to have a family.
"Really, really cruel is the only way I can describe it"