Scottish NHS widens IVF treatment access

The Scottish NHS is to extend access to IVF treatment.

Scotland is now the only UK nation to offer more than two cycles of IVF, as well as extending access for the first time to couples who have children from a previous relationship.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said the changes would make IVF access in Scotland the fairest and most generous across the UK.

During a visit today to NHS Lothian’s Edinburgh Fertility Reproductive Endocrine Centre today, Ms Campbell said: “For couples who are struggling to conceive it can be a very difficult time. IVF treatment can provide an opportunity to help them have that longed-for baby.

“We want to make sure that access to treatment on the NHS is as fair as it possibly can be - giving more people the opportunity to conceive naturally.

“Over the last four years we have invested around £18 million to reduce IVF waiting times and improve the outcomes for patients undergoing this treatment.

“And I’m delighted to be able to announce today that we will begin work to change the eligibility criteria for IVF and expand access for more families across Scotland.

“Scotland already leads the way on IVF access and rights in UK, and these changes will ensure Scotland’s provision is a fair and generous as possible.”

The Scottish Government accepted a raft of recommendations from a report by the National Infertility Group, but rejected a recommendation to remove eligibility for couples where the women is aged between 40 and 42.

Ministers said the current guidelines, where women in this age group can have one cycle of IVF if they meet the necessary criteria, would continue to apply.

The news was welcomed by infertility campaigners, but concerns were raised over a “gulf” between treatment options in Scotland and England.

Professor Adam Balen, chair of the British Fertility Society said: “This is great news for people in Scotland planning a family who have fertility problems.

“Infertility affects one in seven couples, and treatment should be available on the NHS. Infertility can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, causing distress, depression, and the breakdown of relationships.

“IVF treatment is cost-effective and enables childless couples the chance to have much wanted families.”

Work will now begin on bringing in the changes, with ministers working with health boards to develop a timetable for the introduction of the new eligibility criteria.