HFEA statement on the cost of multiple births resulting from IVF
15 April 2002
The HFEA has no plans to compel clinics to take out insurance to cover neonatal care required by multiple births resulting from assisted reproduction. Nor does the HFEA have plans to further restrict the number of embryos that may be put back in a cycle of IVF, despite the views of retired HFEA chair, Ruth Deech, as reported in The Times (13 April).
The Times reported that Ms Deech said that new financial penalties are needed to curb practices which create too many multiple births.
The HFEA's Code of Practice already restricts the number of embryos that can be used in an IVF cycle to two - except in exceptional circumstances. This balances the need to reduce the risk of multiple births with the need to allow freedom of clinical judgement.
Suzi Leather, the current chair of the HFEA, told the Times
"We can't stop people having babies just because it might cost the NHS more. Patients, as consumers, need to make informed choices."
She added
"We are concerned about the number of multiple births that may sometimes result from IVF. Multiple births are associated with increased risks for the mother and her babies. To manage these risks we need an approach that is based on evidence and pays regard to patient wishes, clinical judgement and concern for the welfare of children. The HFEA recently revised its guidelines to reduce the number of embryos used in IVF routinely from three to two. We will continue to monitor the number of multiple births and issue informed and considered guidance to clinics."
Ends
Notes to editors
For further information please contact the HFEA press office.
Page last updated: 13 March 2009