Couples any age to be allowed to apply for fertility treatment

Previously, doctors have been obliged to consider the age of clients requesting IVF. But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said the emphasis would now be on the mental and physical ability of parents to bring up the child, regardless of how old they are.

The HFEA also removed the automatic need for clinics to check patients' records with GPs, as well as "vague and subjective" social factors such as the ability to provide a stable and supportive environment for a child. The absence of a father figure will still be a factor in the consideration of the child's welfare.

Clinicians are expected to concentrate on whether there is any risk of serious harm or the possibility a parent may not be able to offer continued care.

Groups representing infertile couples welcomed an end to "unnecessary and intrusive" assessments, while doctors praised a more balanced approach to children's welfare.

But family groups regretted what they saw as the demise of the traditional family as the foundation for raising a child.

Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, clinics must assess the welfare of any child born as a result of fertility treatment before they provide any services.

However, doctors and patients have complained the current guidance is too cumbersome and difficult to enforce.

Under the previous guidelines clinics were asked to contact the GP of clients and consider physical and psychological factors including the health, age and ability of the couple to provide for the needs of the child.

But under the new guidelines this has been scrapped in favour of a single assessment at the fertility clinic on whether the potential parents will be able to offer safe and continued care.

Factors include mental and physical conditions affecting the parents, substance abuse, previous convictions for harming children and a medical history where the child could be born with serious medical problems.

A spokesman for the HFEA said age was not a factor. What mattered was whether parents are in a fit mental and physical state to provide care.

However, the HFEA's decision will have little effect for those seeking treatment on the NHS. In Scotland, the cut-off point for fertility treatment on the NHS is 39 years old.

Suzi Leather, the chairwoman of the HFEA, said the guidelines, which will come into force in January, would mean patients have treatment faster.

She added: "Parents are often unhappy with the 'show us you'll be good parents' approach."

Clare Brown, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, said the new guidelines removed overly cautious questions while still protecting the child.

Dr Michael Wilks, chairman of the British Medical Association medical ethics committee, said the guidelines achieved a balance between protecting the child and subjective judgment.

But Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, maintained the traditional family structure was an important factor for the child's welfare.