#MyFertilityMatters: Lincolnshire MP to call for change in NHS IVF rules
They currently prevent treatment on the NHS if you're already a stepmum
Last updated 15th Sep 2021
Lincolnshire CCG will be answering questions later about why current IVF rules stop women getting treatment on the NHS if they’re already a stepmum.
MP Dr Caroline Johnson’s arranged a meeting with health bosses after we shared Sarah Barker from Lincoln's story.
She was told she didn't qualify because her partner had a daughter from a previous relationship.
"The best case scenario is they undertake to change their guidelines"
Caroline says thousands of women are in the same boat.
"They may undertake to review the guidelines.
"They may say, no, we’re leaving them the way they are.
"But if they say that then we will keep pushing it higher and further until we get a better answer than that."
"You go into politics to try and make peoples lives better"
"It's very frustrating, very difficult and very emotionally difficult.
"I hope that by raising the profile of this campaign and ensuring more people are aware of it, we have a better chance of being able to change the minds of those CCGs."
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."