Women over 40 and lesbian couples could get IVF treatment on the NHS for the first time
Draft guidance finalised on Wednesday is recommending raising the age limit for women receiving IVF on the NHS
Draft guidance finalised on Wednesday is recommending raising the age limit for women receiving IVF on the NHS
Draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which will be finalised this Wednesday, has recommended raising the age limit for women receiving NHS IVF treatment from 39 to 42.
Although only for those who have not previously had fertility treatment and have no other way of having a baby, IVF would also be restricted to a single attempt rather than the three tries offered to younger women.
The guide also establishes formal rules for lesbian couples wishing to have a baby. While some clinics already offer the treatment this brings recommendations in line with the law, which does not require a father to approve fertility treatment.
The guidelines also proposes reducing the amount of time couples must wait before they are referred for IVF treatment from three years to two.
Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Jane Stewart, secretary of the British Fertility Society, said: ‘Fertility problems are a bona fide health issue and should be funded as such.’
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