#MyFertilityMatters: MP takes fight against IVF rules, stopping stepmums getting NHS support, to the top
Dr Caroline Johnson says the CCG's stance doesn't match expert guidelines
Last updated 15th Sep 2021
One of our MPs is taking the fight against IVF rules, which stop stepmums from getting NHS support, right to the top.
It's after we shared Sarah from Lincoln's story.
She was refused treatment because her partner already has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson has now booked a meeting with local Health bosses to challenge their stance.
"I'm hopeful they'll recognise the unfairness and want to put it right"
"I raised the issue of Sarah’s case in the chamber of the House of Commons last term and the minister was very clear that the CCG should be commissioning in line with NICE guidelines.
"NICE guidelines do not say, certainly not the NICE guidelines I’ve read, that someone should have their access to IVF limited by their partners previous children.
"I’m meeting with the CCG to talk to them about Sarah’s case and the cases of others like her.
"I'm asking them to widen their access to IVF for Sarah and women in her position."
"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."