#MyFertilityMatters: Experts shocked at rules stopping couples having IVF if they have a stepchild
The rules can also differ depending on where you live
Last updated 6th Jul 2021
Fertility experts say they’re shocked at rules that stop couples having IVF treatment if there’s already a stepchild in the family.
Yesterday, we shared Sarah from Lincoln’s story.
She’s been trying to get pregnant but has been told she can't get treatment on the NHS because her partner already has a daughter.
Today, as part of our campaign #MyFertilityMatters, we’re hearing how the rules can also differ depending on where you live.
Professor Geeta Nargund runs a private clinic, and is also a lead consultant for reproductive medicine.
"If they’re successful, it’s great, but if they’re not successful at least they can achieve closure"
"Postcode lottery should not be existing at all.
"There is a deep inequality in access to fertility treatment and that should not be happening because as a national health service we should have consistency across our nation.
"Patients are distressed they are not able to get the funding when someone else they know in a different region, with exactly the same age and criteria, are able to access funding.
"Fertility treatment doesn’t mean they will always get a baby, but it’s quite important to give them that access.
"If they’re successful, it’s great, but if they’re not successful at least they can come to terms with the fact that they had treatment and they can achieve closure."
What is the IVF postcode lottery?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence fertility guidelines suggest who should have access to IVF treatment on the NHS.
But individual health groups, or CCGs, have the final say on who can have NHS-funded IVF in their area.
Many differ in their criteria for support, with some stricter than others, which means you can be offered different treatments depending on where you live.
Campaigners are calling for an end to this.
"It's almost like you're grieving a child you've not had yet"
Yesterday weheard exclusively from a Lincoln woman who's been denied IVF treatment on the NHS.
Sarah Barker was told she couldn't access treatment to help her conceive because her partner already has a daughter from another relationship.
She's launched a petition calling for an end to the fertility postcode lottery.
"I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong.
"If anything, I’ve sacrificed a lot of my life to help support my partner in partially raising his child with him and with her mum and stepdad.
"I’m already being betrayed by my own body, why should I be betrayed by the local CCGs that are basically enforcing this?"
Lincolnshire CCG says it can't comment on individual cases.
"The IVF policy agreed across the East Midland CCGs, and adopted by NHS Lincolnshire CCG, applies to any couple registered with a Lincolnshire GP and is available on our website.
"It sets out the eligibility criteria, which includes family structure, that applies irrespective of where patients have their treatment, and has been drawn up based on guidance issued by DHSC, Infertility Network UK and NICE Guidance CG156."