EXCLUSIVE: 'Please let single women undergo fertility treatment'
We're speaking to an East Lothian woman who wants the Scottish Government to change it's policy on single women undergoing fertility treatment
An East Lothian woman is campaigning for the Scottish Government to change it's policy on fertility treatment via the NHS.
As things stand single women do not meet the criteria to undergo either 'In vitro fertilisation' (IVF) or 'Intrauterine insemination' (IUI).
Anne-Marie Morrison, who is 36, says it's her dream to become a Mum, but she doesn't want to rush into a relationship to make that a reality.
But she wants to get pregnant soon to avoid any potential complications, which can become more common the older the mother is.
Anne-Marie, has previously looked to go through IUI when in a partnership, but stopped after the relationship broke down.
She then attempted to undergo the treatment privately, where singles can receive IUI, but ultimately lost thousands to a company which is now being taken to court over it's practices.
Desperate to have a guarantee of quality care, Anne-Marie returned to the NHS system - only to be told they don't offer the service to single people.
"I'm single, and I want to remain that way" She told us.
"I do enjoy being in relationships, but I'm a very serious relationship type of woman, and I want my baby to come into my life as soon as possible.
"I'm not going to rush a relationship."
Anne-Marie says she's spoken with many other women in the same situation as her.
She believes she is more than capable of being a mother, in fact she meets every other piece of criteria asked for by the NHS to qualify for the treatment.
She says: "It's absolutely everything, it is impossible to put it into terms.
"We all sit and have day dreams of what we are going to do when we're older, or now we are older.
"And I dream of being a Mum over all else.
"There's nothing I can do, this is out of my control.
"I've put absolutely everything into this, I've done everything that I possibly can."
In an effort to change this policy, Anne-Marie has started a petition, urging the Scottish Government to re-think the stance.
Thus far it's gathered hundreds of signatures.
"I'm not sure that this will happen in the time I need it to.
"But I'm 100% here for everyone that is affects." Anne-Marie said.
A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed IVF and IUI treatment via the NHS is only available to couples.
Discussions around any changes take place within the national fertility group, which provides advice to ministers.
We understand fertility treatment for single people, and the potential for this to be added to work plans is to be considered at a future meeting of the group.