Unequal Access to IVF

I am concerned at the unequal access to NHS fertility treatment for same-sex couples.

The availability of fertility services varies widely across the country, with provision an effective ‘postcode lottery’. While national guidelines exist, final decisions on funding for fertility treatment rest with local commissioners. As a result, commissioners’ criteria for funding and eligibility may be stricter than national guidelines.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) finds that female same-sex couples are disproportionately impacted by policies which require them to self-finance costly and less effective artificial insemination - in some cases for at least two years - before becoming eligible for NHS funded treatment. I agree with BPAS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that these financial barriers – which can amount to £25,000 - are completely unacceptable.

A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) review into IVF equality concluded in 2021. The results of this internal review informed the Women’s Health Strategy, which commits to remove the additional financial burden on female same-sex couples accessing treatment. Additionally, the Government said it is assessing fertility provision across the country, with a view to removing non-clinical access criteria.

For far too long, same-sex couples have faced too many obstacles for no other reason that the fact they love another woman. I therefore welcome measures within the Women’s Health Strategy. Under the plans, the NHS treatment pathway will start with six cycles of artificial insemination, prior to accessing IVF services if necessary.

The DHSC confirmed that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – which is responsible for making recommendations about who should have access to IVF treatment on the NHS in England – is updating its guidelines, which will address access to NHS-funded treatment for same-sex couples. Updated guidelines are expected in 2024.

Sexual orientation should not be a barrier to accessing fertility treatment on the NHS. I urge the Government to set out a timeline for when the Women’s Health Strategy commitments will be implemented and end unequal access to IVF treatment for LGBT+ people.