#MyFertilityMatters: More MPs challenge rules stopping couples getting NHS IVF because they have a stepchild
Political support continues to grow
Last updated 7th Jul 2021
MPs are using their powers and personal experiences to help fight IVF rules that are stopping couples getting access to treatment on the NHS.
We’ve launched a campaign after sharing Sarah from Lincoln’s story.
She’s been told she can’t have IVF because her partner already has a child with someone else.
The same thing happened to Welsh MP Alex Davies-Jones.
She was forced to go private as a result.
"Really, really cruel is the only way I can describe it"
"It adds to that shame of not only being unable to conceive a child but then having that rejection and having that door slammed in your face and another barrier instilled in front of you to be able to have a family.
"It's incredibly expensive and a huge barrier for a lot of people who are unable to go private.
"For us to be able to go private we had to save a lot of money, we were helped out by parents and we also took out some money from loans in order to fund the treatment.
"It can be incredibly tough and heartbreakingly and financially difficult for a lot of people"
"We were really, really lucky that our treatment worked on the first cycle because if it hadn’t then we would have had to have paid for another cycle.
"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."
"To not give somebody that chance, when they have no children of their own at all, does seem unfair to me"
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson has pledged to challenge local health bosses on the rules.
"I didn’t realise there was a restriction.
"If a woman has fertility problems and wants treatment for it then she should be entitled to that treatment regardless of whether the partner she’s wanting to have those children with has a child previously or not, because it’s her health problem that we’re treating.
"If the situation was reversed and she had a child, and he didn’t, then it would be his problem that we’re treating health wise.
"NHS treatment should be available to everybody"
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."