Rest of UK lagging behind Scotland in IVF treatment, campaigners say

By The Press Association13th June 2016News ScotlandNews Scotland, Pregnancy

England, Wales and Northern Ireland are lagging behind Scotland in terms of fertility treatments offered to patients, a campaign group has said.

Scotland stands “head and shoulders” above the rest of Britain for provision of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment for infertility, Fertility Fairness said.

Susan Seenan, co-chair of Fertility Fairness and chief executive of Infertility Network UK, said: “Scotland continues to lead the way in providing equitable fertility treatment.

“The Scottish Government brought in equity of provision in 2013 and is now committing to delivering the full clinically recommended three IVF cycles (for eligible women aged 40 and under). In addition, it is relaxing current access criteria and will offer fertility treatment to couples where one partner has no biological child.

“This increase in access to medical treatment is fantastic news for people in Scotland affected by fertility problems and we commend the Scottish Government for both recognising the importance of treating this medical condition and backing it up with action.”

Sarah Norcross, co-chair of Fertility Fairness, added: “Fertility Fairness urges the rest of the UK to follow the Scottish Government’s lead and to take immediate action to stop the rationing of fertility treatment. Scotland now stands head and shoulders above the rest of the UK in terms of IVF provision.”