For women struggling to conceive, some parts of the country have a “brutal” age limit of 35 for IVF treatment.
The NHS should offer three free IVF cycles to patients up to the age of 40 if they have tried unsuccessfully to have a child for two years or have had repeated failed attempts at artificial insemination.
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also state that fertility treatments must be offered up to age 42 under certain criteria. But some areas flout the guidelines by insisting that women can only undergo artificial insemination until the age of 35, forcing many couples to pay thousands of pounds to private clinics or give up their hopes of starting a family.
Fertility Network UK, a support group, monitors the criteria for IVF within the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – organizations that regulate health services and manage local NHS budgets.
Emma Buck, who paid £15,000 to have a baby aged 39, is pictured at home in Southampton with her 9-week-old baby Austin.
The NHS should offer three free IVF cycles to patients up to the age of 40 if they have tried unsuccessfully to have a child for two years or have had repeated failed attempts at artificial insemination (stock photo)
The age limit was found to be 35 years in the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire ICB and the NHS Frimley ICB.
All three boards say their policies are being reviewed. But dr. Catherine Hill, from Fertility Network UK, said: “Setting 35 as the minimum age for women to undergo NHS-funded IVF is one of the cruelest and most ignorant ways that ICBs are restricting access to NHS-funded fertility treatments – including against national recommendations limiting the minimum age set to 42. “Most women or their partners are unaware that at least three areas of England have this extremely strict policy in place and are understandably shocked and devastated when they find out.”
An Oxfordshire GP, who did not want to be named, said the age limit in her area had left many patients desperate. She added: “I’ve heard patients sob during consultations when they realize that now that they’re 35 they’ll have to fork out over £8,000 for a cycle, which frankly is a lot of money for a lot of people unaffordable.” .’
Reasons for refusing NHS-funded fertility treatment include couples who have not been in a relationship long enough, the father’s weight or a partner who already has a child.
Many campaigners have criticized the postcode lottery, which means some couples get three free IVF attempts on the NHS, while others living elsewhere are denied even a single cycle.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB said: “We understand how important IVF is to couples… and to ensure our policies are aligned with best clinical practice, national guidance and other commissioners of this service, our policy is currently under review.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
