NHS access to IVF ‘improves’
(sz) Over a quarter of local health bodies are offering the recommended three free cycles of fertility treatment to couples trying to have a child.
The Department of Health said 27% of English primary care trusts offer three cycles - up from just 5% in 2007.
Health minister Gillian Merron said the health service was making “excellent progress” in improving IVF access.
Patient groups welcomed the increase, but said there was still “a long way to go”.
Infertility Network UK, which campaigns for better access to fertility care, has worked with the Department of Health to improve access to NHS treatment.
Guidance from the National Institute for health and Clinical Exellence already recommends women should have a body mass index (BMI) of no more than 30, and that they should not smoke.
The new guidance says where needed, women should be given advice on diet, and on physical activity to help them achieve a healthy BMI.
They should also be given advice and support on stopping smoking and a referral to a smoking cessation clinic.
It also says local health services should provide IVF for those who do not have children, including couples where one partner is childless. more…
From: »The BBC«