As reported by the BBC, proposed plans in Wales would see women over 40 no longer able to access IVF treatment on the NHS
As part of the proposed plans, eligible couples must have been together for two years and have an infertility diagnosis. The mandatory 12-month wait before IVF treatment can begin would be dropped and the body mass index range for those accessing treatment would increase to 18-35 from 19-30.
Same sex couples would still be eligible after 12 cycles of IUI treatment, up from six, but the one cycle for women over 40 would be scrapped.
IUI treatment is not funded by WHSSC but decided by individual health boards, so there may be regional differences in whether people need to privately fund or gain NHS access. A public consultation is open until 17 February.
Access to fertility treatment differs across the UK, with Scotland offering three IVF cycles to couples, Wales offering two, while decisions are made at a local level in England.
Emma Rees, Fertility Network UK’s Wales coordinator, said she was “angered and aghast” at the proposals.
“We urge fertility patients to make your voices heard and let the WHSSC know how you feel about these suggested dramatic cuts to NHS fertility treatment in Wales.”
Prof Iolo Doull for the WHSCC said: “We can reassure our patients, public and stakeholders that it is a normal part of our work to regularly review policies, ensuring that they reflect the most up-to-date clinical evidence and needs of the wider NHS in Wales to continually improve clinical services and outcomes for patients.”
He said Fertility Network UK was part of the stakeholder group being consulted.
The Welsh government said: “All clinicians should support families of any composition with fertility issues and may refer them into specialist services where appropriate.
“Welsh Health Specialist Services review clinical commissioning advice regularly and advise on the basis of clinical effectiveness. We encourage the public to respond to the consultation.”
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