#MyFertilityMatters: Beverley stepmum, refused NHS IVF, thanks people for backing our campaign this year
We've been sharing Sarah's story after she was denied help, because her partner has a child from a previous relationship.
A Beverley woman who now lives in Lincoln and was refused IVF on the NHS because she's a stepmum, has thanked people for backing our #MyFertilityMatters campaign this year.
We've been sharing Sarah Curtiss' story after she was denied help, because her partner has a child from a previous relationship.
The campaign's now been discussed in parliament, local health bosses are looking at their rules, and the petition is closing in on 17,000 signatures.
Sarah says there's still a long way to go.
"Honestly, we couldn’t have got so far this year without the help and support of, not just the local community, but people across the country who’ve gathered together and realised how wrong this is.
"The fight isn’t over, Christmas makes this need even stronger. Christmas is for many suffering with infertility, is just one of the most difficult times of the year.
"Every Christmas I’ll have that moment where I’ll step aside and I’ll try and deal with it on my own, so that I’m not spoiling Christmas for everyone else and it’s probably not the best way to go.
"With infertility, every Christmas you’re sat there thinking, awh, this time next year I’ll have a baby and we’ve been saying that for 4 years now.
"Christmas sometimes is where you just capture all that hurt that you’ve been feeling throughout the year and you’re trying your hardest to be happy and thankful and grateful for everything you’ve got, because I have an amazing life, but you’re always going to feel that little piece of you is missing."
What do Lincolnshire health bosses say?
"The CCG’s IVF policy is part of an East Midlands-wide policy and, as previously confirmed, a private meeting did take place between the CCG and Dr Caroline Johnson MP, to discuss an individual patient in the context of the CCG’s current IVF policy.
"As previously stated we are unable to comment publicly on individual patients but we agreed that we would look into reviewing the IVF policy during 2022."