Women struggling to conceive have been hit with a ‘cruel’ age limit of 35 for IVF treatment in some parts of the country.
The NHS should offer three free IVF cycles to patients up to the age of 40 if they have been trying unsuccessfully to have a child for two years, or have made repeated failed attempts at artificial insemination.
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also say that fertility treatments should be offered up to the age of 42 under certain criteria. But some areas are flouting the guidelines by insisting women can only have IVF 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 imposed on IVF within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – organizations that regulate healthcare services and manage local NHS budgets.
Emma Buck, who paid £15,000 to have a baby at the age of 39, is pictured at home in Southampton with her 9-week-old baby Austin
The NHS should offer three free IVF cycles for patients up to the age of 40 if they have been trying to have a baby for two years without success, or have made repeated failed attempts at artificial insemination (stock photo)
It found the age limit was 35 within NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire ICB and NHS Frimley ICB.
All three boards say their policies are under review. But Dr Catherine Hill, of Fertility Network UK, said: ‘Making 35 the cut-off age for women to have NHS-funded IVF is one of the most cruel and ignorant ways in which ICBs are restricting access to Rationing NHS funded fertility treatments – including against national recommendations setting the cut-off age at 42. “Most women or their partners are unaware that at least three areas in England have this extremely strict policy in place and are understandably shocked and devastated when they discover it.”
An Oxfordshire GP, who asked not to be named, said the age limit in her area had left many patients desperate. She added: ‘I have heard patients sob during consultations when they realize that because they are now 35 they have to find over £8,000 for a cycle, which is quite frankly a sum of money that is out of reach for many people . .’
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 already having 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 one cycle.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB said: ‘We understand how important IVF is for couples… and to ensure our policy is consistent with best clinical practice, national policy and other commissioners of this service, our policy currently under review.’
