IVF on the NHS

[AB Editor]

 

This poll is closed.

Should IVF be available on the NHS?

• No. - 141 votes
• 59%
• Yes. - 97 votes
• 41%

See final stats

Stats until: 01:28 Sun 22nd Dec 2024 (Refreshed every 5 minutes)

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[Jan1957]

I voted yes as I have received infertility treatment. Sadly it did not work and I was devastated. I can't bring myself to answer the people who have voted no because I find it too upsetting still.

[sherrardk]

I will vote yes, but with provisos (sp). Each case should be taken on its merits. Those whose medical past have diminished their chances of conceiving should be helped. Those who have lost a child and are having difficulties should be helped.

[sara3]

going slightly off topic, but the NHS treats people for the effects of smoking, obesity, accidents from dangerous sports etc.. I don't see why a shot at IVF is so controversial.

[4getmenot]

I dont agree with giving IVF to people that already have children and want chance of twins, multiple births etc. And I also dont agree with the single woman in the news that had IVF.

[karenmac60]

I'm with you 4get. Mr mac is infertile due to years of dialysis. I already have a child and my age precludes me so we wouldn't be elligible for IVF on the NHS anyway - but I know he won't be the only person in that position, and more than anything he always just wanted to have a normal life and the things that others take for granted, including a family.

[LoftyLottie]

But when the NHS treats people for the effects of smoking, sports injuries, obesity it is because they are sick and need to be made better. That is completely different in my opinion.

[sherrardk]

My list is actually quite long, but it's getting late and I didn't want to make a mistake when posting and spoil the thread.

[RATTER15]

Categorically YES!! but not in every situation.

[4getmenot]

but my partner was well loftie and then got sick. yes he is no longer sick but if infertile then it is because of that.

[LoftyLottie]

You can lead a normal life without having children surely. And if you want children there are children that badly need to be taken into a loving family. Surely nothing can be more worthwhile than giving a child such a wonderful gift.

[sherrardk]

Hi forget - anyone that wants IVF to have a multiple birth needs a good slap (I have only recently realised the huge range of things that could go wrong for a multiple pregnancy).

[LoftyLottie]

I understand 4get. But he is not ill and needing treatment It boils down really to lack of funds and priorities and IVF is not a priority in my opinion.

[4getmenot]

yes true, I would happily adopt, but there is also nothing like having that bond of carrying your own baby for nine monhs and then giving birth. I would do everything I can to get that, using my own money if I have to, but if it failed I would be happy to look at other options.

[Jan1957]

It was me who couldn't have children due to having PCOS. When I was ovulating my body wasn't producing eggs but cysts instead. Surely as a hormonal problem that's a medical condition and something I could do nothing about so why shouldn't I be allowed treatment? I felt so bad at the time, as if I was letting my husband down, and my mother in law was devastated too as my husband is an only child so she would never have a grandchild. It was a very difficult time and one I hope no one else has to go through.

[karenmac60]

Have you ever looked into adoption Lottie? It's not as simple as saying 'I'll take on a child'. There are all sorts of hoops to jumps through and as far as I know, approval is more likely to be declined than given. You are also not taking on a baby, but a child who possibly has a lot of issues due to bad experiences - a lot harder than mainstream parenthood.

[4getmenot]

most of the big multiple births have to decide how many babys to abort because more might die anyway. Selfish.

[4getmenot]

ok loftie if you agree on using NHS money if someone has a life threatening condition would you agree with using IVF to make a baby to help a sibling? ...this is a great debate by the way

[Carakeel]

I really have to answer "yes" on this, because a dear friend of ours, who tried for years and years to have a baby, went through so much turmoil and trouble incl. IVF, has finally given birth to a beautiful little girl. The happiness on this mother's face and the contentment she has fought for for so long is priceless! I may have had to think about my vote more, had I not seen what a change this has made for my friend. I know the NHS is underfunded, but I also think that a lot of its predicament is due to bad management and the fact that those in Wellington House are stuck in the mud and refuse to look at what other countries are doing to cope with the costs of health.

[sherrardk]

I think that not being able to have children must be awful - fat people, druggies, etc are fawned (sp) over, but if you need help conceiving you are considered as self-indulgent I expect it is very easy to say get on with it if you have children of your own.

[anneasquith]

i admire jan^s very honest answer, and only if/when we are in a similar position can we really know the heartache of infertility.