The NHS is set to scrap the rules surrounding finances for same-sex couples looking to use IVF, in a landmark move.
In a landmark change, queer women, non-binary people and transgender men will no longer face an additional financial barrier when opting for IVF, it was announced by the Government on Wednesday, July 20.
Same-sex IVF rules to change
Previously, women in same-sex relationships who want IVF and need donor sperm would have to go through several rounds of intrauterine insemination, which can cost up to £25,000. This had to be done before they were considered for treatment on the NHS.
Intrauterine insemination is a fertility treatment that involves directly inserting sperm into a woman’s womb.
Currently, opposite-sex couples have to be trying for a baby for a few years before they get the treatment before being granted free IVF treatment.
From now on, female same-sex couples will no longer need to fund these rounds of insemination to prove their fertility status. They will automatically be eligible. The fertility treatment for same-sex female couples will now begin with six rounds of artificial insemination before they go onto IVF.
Women’s health scheme
The rule changes are a part of the government’s new women’s health scheme, a strategy which is a ten-year plan aiming to improve health and wellbeing in England.
NHS England will appoint someone to be in charge of women’s health as well as introduce one-stop clinics for women.
There will be more research about women’s health, especially about periods, menopause and fertility.
The strategy includes key commitments around:
- new research and data gathering
- the expansion of women’s health-focused education and training for incoming doctors
- improvements to fertility services
- ensuring women have access to high-quality health information
- updating guidance for female-specific health conditions like endometriosis to ensure the latest evidence and advice is being used in treatment
Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said: ‘When we launched our call for evidence to inform the publication of this strategy, women across the country set us a clear mandate for change.
‘Tackling the gender health gap will not be easy – there are deep-seated, systemic issues we must address to ensure women receive the same standards of care as men, universally and by default.
‘This strategy is the start of that journey, but eradicating the gender health gap can’t be done through health services alone. I am calling on everyone who has the power to positively impact women’s health – from employers to doctors and teachers to industry – to join us in our journey.’