#MyFertilityMatters: Over 12,000 people sign petition calling for changes to IVF rules
Since we ran Sarah from Lincoln’s story on Monday we've had a number of women getting in touch sharing their support
Thousands of people are now backing calls for a shake-up of IVF treatment, so couples aren’t denied the chance to be parents simply because they have a stepchild.
Over 12,000 have now signed a petition calling for change.
Since we ran Sarah from Lincoln’s story on Monday we've had a number of women getting in touch, who have also been refused access to treatment on the NHS because their partners already have children.
Klara Halpin’s offering her support after she was turned down for NHS IVF because her partner has 2 sons from a previous relationship.
"We've now spent over £10,000 by going private"
"For the clinic that we could, well we couldn’t afford, but that was more manageable for us financially it was in Manchester, which is 2-and-a-half hours away.
"You’re back and forth for scans and check-ups and you don’t really want to be travelling so then you’re staying in the cheapest hotels you can find.
"Everything starts building up."
"I’d say we are probably £10,000 or over at the minute and that’s including a GoFundMe we setup.
"Luckily family have helped us out because we could never ever afford it on our own.
"All savings for buying a house or just that back-up money that you like to have in case your car breaks down or anything like that, that’s all gone.
"We don’t have that security anymore."
MPs have been raising their voices, saying they'll challenge those in charge.
Welsh MP Alex Davies-Jones is a step mum herself and was denied NHS IVF because her husband has 2 children.
"It's incredibly expensive and a huge barrier for a lot of people who are unable to go private.
"I’m aware of friends who have undergone 10 cycles of private treatment and it’s literally bankrupted them, but it’s what you’re willing to do if you want a family of your own."
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson says she's shocked and saddened by the rules.
"As well as being a person, an MP and a doctor, I’m also a mum and the thought of being in that situation of being desperate to have children and not being able to, I can’t imagine how difficult that must be.
"To not give somebody that chance, when they have no children of their own at all, does seem unfair to me."
Lincolnshire CCG says the criteria is based on guidance by experts.
"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."