Couple win battle for NHS IVF funding
A couple denied IVF treatment on the NHS have won their appeal.Previously Portsmouth PCT stated they were not eligible to access state-funded IVF, and so would have to turn to private providers
Previous child
The couple, who had been trying for a baby for three years, were told they did not meet the local criteria of being “childless”, because Mr Marshall had a child from a previous relationship even though this child lived 200 miles away with his former wife. Mrs Marshall was also slightly over the local age limit of 30 - 34, even though national guidelines state that treatment should be funded for women aged between 23 and 39.
IVF national guidelines
Like thousands of other couples they were denied treatment because of increasingly tough restrictions on IVF funding by NHS bodies. Although national guidance states that women should be given three cycles of infertility treatment, only one in four Primary Care Trusts now follows this guidance.
Individual funding request
However the Marshalls made a series of appeals through a process known as an Individual Funding Request, and their infertility treatment will now be funded by Portsmouth PCT. However, their victory, is not binding on other health bodies.
Devastated
Mr Marshall, 41, and Mrs Marshall, 36, said: “We were devastated when we were told we would not be eligible for IVF funding on the NHS because of his child from a previous relationship. “We were told to pay privately for IVF treatment or keep trying for a baby naturally. We do not have a child together as a couple (despite having regular contact with his child from his first marriage) and it felt terribly unfair and put a huge strain on us. “It is bad enough when you are struggling to conceive without being told you will not be offered IVF funding on the NHS and you have the added worry and burden of having to pay privately for treatment.
Exceptional case
Portsmouth PCT said it could not discuss individual cases but added that it considers "exceptional cases" where refusing funding may relieve psychological distress.
Read more at: telegraph.co.uk