Ministers are under increasing pressure to overhaul fertility laws following the sudden closure of Apricity Fertility, which left hundreds of couples in distress, unable to continue their IVF treatment. The clinic’s collapse has sparked outrage and calls for urgent regulatory reform, as it was not covered by the standard fertility regulation framework.
Apricity, which operated through an app to manage appointments and treatment, was not overseen by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a key body that regulates fertility clinics in the UK. The closure of the clinic left many clients devastated, with some couples describing their situation as being in “freefall” and feeling “blind panic” about the future of their treatment. One woman, who had been freezing her eggs with the clinic, was informed that she would have to pay thousands of pounds more to continue the process—an unexpected financial burden.
The incident has drawn criticism from MPs who argue that current regulations are outdated and insufficient to protect consumers. Tory MP and former health minister Dame Caroline Dinenage expressed concern that the law had failed to keep pace with modern developments in fertility treatment. “This is a classic case of regulation not keeping up with modern life,” Dinenage said, calling on the Government to take swift action. She has written to health ministers, urging them to introduce stronger regulations for fertility clinics like Apricity.
Peter Thompson, CEO of the HFEA, echoed Dinenage’s sentiments, pointing out that the legislation governing fertility clinics is now over 30 years old and in dire need of an update. Speaking to Times Radio, Thompson emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that cover the growing number of clinics using digital platforms to manage treatments.
In response to the crisis, a spokesperson for Apricity stated that the clinic faced “sudden and irreversible financial difficulties” in December, after planned investment from a new investor fell through.
The Department of Health has acknowledged the issue, with a spokesperson confirming that they are currently reviewing advice from the HFEA regarding priorities for law reform. These changes could lead to expanded regulatory powers that would better safeguard patients and ensure that clinics like Apricity are held accountable in the future.
Related topics:
Nigerian Businesswoman Nancy Umeh Opens Up About Surrogacy Journey After Struggling with Infertility
Understanding Recurrent Miscarriages: A Path to Overcoming Fertility Challenges
