Over the past decade, the number of single women and female couples undergoing fertility treatments like IVF or artificial insemination has surged, according to a report from the fertility regulator in the UK.
From 2012 to 2022, the number of single women receiving treatment grew significantly, from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022. Similarly, the number of female couples undergoing IVF has doubled, reaching 3,300 during the same period.
However, heterosexual couples still make up nearly 90% of all IVF treatments. Despite this, there is a growing trend of different family groups seeking fertility treatment.
In 2022, 47,000 IVF or donor insemination (DI) treatments were provided to heterosexual couples, a slight increase from 45,300 in 2012. The report from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that one in six fertility treatments in the UK, whether through the NHS or private providers, is now accessed by single women or same-sex female couples.
For many of these families, the financial burden of IVF treatment is heavy. Laura-Rose Thorogood, who spent £50,000-60,000 to have four children with her partner over the last 13 years, describes the process as a “tumultuous journey.” Despite the sacrifices they made, she considers herself lucky to have multiple children. Many other LGBT couples have had to stop trying due to the high costs.
In response to this challenge, Laura-Rose founded LGBT Mummies, an organization that provides advice to individuals on becoming parents and advocates for equal access to fertility treatments. She believes the entire system needs a thorough review.
Many heterosexual couples also face emotional and financial struggles, going through multiple rounds of IVF without success. The increasing cost of treatments is a significant concern, as NHS funding continues to fall. In 2012, the NHS funded 40% of IVF cycles, but this has now decreased to just 27%.
While the NHS still funds a substantial portion of IVF cycles for heterosexual couples, women in same-sex couples and single women have seen a slight increase in the number of NHS-funded treatments. In 2022, heterosexual couples accounted for 52% of NHS-funded IVF cycles for individuals aged 18-39, with female couples and single women making up 16% and 18%, respectively.
IVF is one of the most expensive and invasive treatments per cycle. However, more female couples and single women are opting for it due to several benefits, such as higher birth rates per cycle, reduced risks of multiple pregnancies, and the possibility of storing embryos for future treatments. Reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the baby, is also growing in popularity.
The success rates for IVF are higher among single women and female couples, as they often do not face infertility issues themselves, unlike many heterosexual couples. One in four IVF treatments results in a birth, according to the HFEA report.
However, access to NHS funding depends on where patients live in the UK. In England, funding is determined by local integrated care boards, resulting in wide variations in access. In contrast, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have national policies. In Scotland, 78% of IVF cycles are funded by the NHS, compared to 53% in Wales and 45% in England. However, Scotland does not currently fund IVF for single women.
The UK government previously pledged to remove barriers to IVF for female couples, particularly those who must pay for multiple rounds of artificial insemination before qualifying for NHS-funded IVF. However, this change has not yet occurred. As a result, many same-sex couples and single women still face the financial burden of paying for IVF treatments out of pocket if they can afford it.
Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has called for urgent changes to ensure that everyone who wants children has equal access to fertility services. The Fertility Network UK, a charity, has echoed these concerns, urging a review of policies and practices to ensure fair access.
The HFEA encourages healthcare providers to ensure that the information they share is inclusive and represents the diversity of families and individuals seeking fertility treatment. An official from the Department of Health and Social Care stated that there are clear clinical guidelines to ensure equal access across the country and that they expect these to be followed.
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