Prime Minister Supports Infertility Patients As Pioneer Of IVf Says He's Angry At Lack Of Funding, UK

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 10 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Professor Robert Edwards, who pioneered IVF 30 years ago, said "It doesn't make me sad that people can't get funding for IVF, it makes me angry. I'd like to see everyone have four or five cycles if they need it. I feel very sad that people can't have children, and they should have the right to have a chance,"

Dari Taylor MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility (APPGI) who is hosting a reception in the House of Commons on 10th July to mark 30 years of IVF and in recognition of National Infertility Day said "The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility's reception is being held this year because there is an overwhelming desire on the part of Parliamentarians to celebrate 30 years of IVF and the babies that have been born as a result. However, there remains an absolute disappointment that the greater majority of infertile couples still have to access private fertility treatment. NHS provision remains small and totally inadequate to need."

Recent figures issued by the Department of Health confirm that despite the publication of the NICE guideline over four years ago, and the statement by former Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Hon Dr John Reid MP, that PCTs should provide at least one full cycle of IVF by April 2005, many Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are still failing to provide patients with access to NHS treatment. In addition, many PCTs are imposing their own, totally haphazard eligibility criteria some of which, for example refusing to treat women until the age 35 or 37, are just totally unacceptable, not cost effective and, worst of all, not good clinical practice, all of which will be highlighted at National Infertility Day.

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown has issued a message of support for National Infertility Day. "I recognise couples' heartfelt wish to have children and their need to do all they can to make this happen. The Government is working directly with Infertility Network UK, as well as experts in the NHS to ensure the needs of people with fertility problems are recognised and addressed. National Infertility Day is a time for people to share experiences and hear about developments. It is also a time for people with fertility problems to reinforce the message that their needs are important."

The Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron MP also supports National Infertility Day. "This is an important event in recognition of the vital importance of infertility treatment to many families across the UK. We will continue to hold the Government to account on the issue of access to high quality fertility services"

Clare Brown, Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK and Chair of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign is angry at the lack of NHS Funding "It is appalling that even with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party supporting fertility treatment, many couples are still unable to access it"

Sharron Davies, former Olympic gold medalist will be a guest at the reception. "If it wasn't for IVF we wouldn't have Finley which just doesn't bear thinking about and if it wasn't for National Infertility Day, many patients wouldn't have the information they need to help them in their efforts to have a family"

National Infertility Day is a unique event aimed at raising awareness of infertility and all the surrounding issues and providing support and information to patients, their friends and families. It provides delegates with an opportunity not only to gather information but also to discuss infertility issues in general. For more information and to book on line visit http://www.nationalinfertilityday.com

Infertility Networkuk

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