Our Choose a Fertility Clinic Consultation is live.Find out more here.
HFEA responds to new draft fertility guidance from NICE
Today, NICE has published its draft guidance “Fertility problems: assessment and treatment”. Please see a statement from the HFEA in response.
Peter Thompson, Chief Executive of the HFEA, said:
“We welcome the proposed recommendations that three full cycles of IVF should be offered to women under 40 if they have fertility problems and meet certain criteria, as it represents value for money for the NHS. Birth rates from fertility treatment have risen over time, and around one child in every classroom (1 in 32 UK births) is now born from IVF. We also welcome the proposed broadening of access for those who need fertility preservation.
“As NICE have said, for some treatment add-ons there is not enough evidence to show that they are effective at improving treatment outcomes, and the HFEA supports the view that add-ons without sufficient evidence shouldn’t be offered to patients. We publish information about treatment add-ons and have a ratings system on our website.
“It was disappointing to see in our National Patient Survey that a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system.
“In 2023, 27% of IVF cycles across the UK were NHS-funded. Funding for IVF continues to vary across the UK, and disparities in outcomes still exist. In recent years, Asian and Black patients have had lower birth rates than White patients and patients from a mixed ethnic background. Female same-sex couples and single patients were also less likely than opposite-sex couples to receive NHS funding.
“While the HFEA does not regulate funding, we encourage those who commission fertility services to review their eligibility criteria and consider whether these have an adverse impact on access to treatment.”
Ends
Further information:
Review date: 10 September 2027
