#MyFertilityMatters: Army of women and men join forces to support Lincoln woman in fight against IVF rules
We’ve been exposing the issue after sharing Sarah from Lincoln’s story
There’s widespread anger and disgust at IVF rules which stop women getting treatment on the NHS if their partner already has a child from another relationship.
We’ve been exposing the issue after sharing Sarah from Lincoln’s story.
She was turned down for IVF because she’s already a stepmum, which has prompted thousands to sign her petition.
Others are now sharing their own stories and offering their support.
Billie Barnes is co-founder of online support hub, The Step Mum Collective.
"I saw hope in these women that actually change might happen"
"Society says as a stepmother you are not a mum, you will never be a mum, you are simply part of the family.
"But then when it comes to the receiving of IVF treatment, they say, no well you are a mum, you already have kids, which is a complete contradiction.
"So that’s why we really, really need to make the change.
"When there are people fighting your cause, even if they’re not going through it themselves, I think that has so much more punching power."
"Society has this thing about evil stepmum's"
Jordan Smith is also co-founder of online support hub, The Stepmum Collective.
"These women who are looking after other people’s children are proving they deserve to have children of their own because they’re already doing the job of a mother but they’re just not getting the chance to carry their own children.
"That’s really, really devastating.
"It’s very clear that we’re not trying to be that child’s mum, we’re not trying to like, tread on anyone’s toes, but we love and care for those children like our own.
"But then in the eyes of the people who make the rules we basically are treated as though we do already have biological children of our own.
"So it’s a bit conflicting."
We've now raised the issue with Health Ministers.
Health Minister Edward Argar is looking forward to debating the issue.
"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 what life’s all about for many people"
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth has joined other MPs, who are backing our campaign.
"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's The Department of Health and Social Care's view?
“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.”