Lincoln campaigner says there's been a lack of action by health bosses on IVF rules
Sarah Curtis started her My Fertility Matters campaign in 2021 after being told she couldn't get IVF on the NHS because her partner had a daughter
A Lincoln woman campaigning for stepmums to be given access to IVF on the NHS - tells us she's disappointed with the action so far from health bosses in the East Midlands.
Sarah Curtis started her My Fertility Matters campaign in 2021 after she was told she didn't qualify for treatment because her partner already had a daughter.
Last May health bosses agreed to review their policies but it's now launched a survey looking at whether to make any changes.
I was disappointed because it kind of felt like step backwards
We spoke to Sarah about her reaction to what's happening.
She told us: "It looks like those proposals that we'd had reassurances for have almost U turned and they're looking to keeping those policies the same."
"It would mean families that do have children from a previous relationship wouldn't be eligible for IVF support."
A consultation's underway looking at whether any changes are actually needed.
Sarah says: "When I found out about that I was disappointed because it kind of felt like step backwards within the campaign - it's devastating."
"There was so many reassurances we'd had so when we heard the proposals were to make that change it was devastating>"
Until you go through that you don't understand the devastation that causes
"For Lincolnshire and the East Midlands there's only one area - in Derbyshire - which has this policy that you can go for IVF support if you have a child from a previous relationship."
"It really is just a post code lottery and there's no rhyme or reason about why it's like that in different areas."
"I'd just like the ICBs (integrated care boards which manage services) across the East Midlands who are partaking in this review to really listen to the people this will be affecting to really consider the policy changes - it really does make a difference to families."
"Until you go through that you don't understand the devastation that causes."
In a statement - Lincolnshire's Integrated Care Board says it's conscious of the strength of feelings around fertility treatments and whilst they've put forward a proposal, no decisions have been made.