Fertility patients in the UK are facing difficulties due to the rising cost of living, leading them to make difficult decisions regarding their stored embryos
According to experts, inflation has made it increasingly challenging for patients to afford the transfer or storage of their embryos during these tough economic times. Dr. Catherine Hill, the head of policy and public affairs at Fertility Network UK, has described the situation as dire for fertility patients who often struggle to receive assistance from the NHS and are then forced to turn to expensive private clinics. Many couples find themselves accumulating significant debt and are unable to continue paying for treatment. Unfortunately, the government and clinics are not providing the necessary help.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK fertility watchdog, expressed concern about these reports
They have urged private clinics to be transparent about treatment costs. Clare Ettinghausen, the director of strategy and corporate affairs at HFEA, emphasised that clinics should provide patients with clear information about all treatment costs, including future expenses such as storage or embryo transfer, before they begin treatment.
A survey conducted by Fertility Network UK revealed that almost 95% of the nearly 200 patients surveyed experienced financial concerns related to fertility treatment. For 92% of them, these concerns were further exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Half of the respondents cited a combination of the cost of living crisis, lack of NHS-funded assistance, and high expenses associated with private care as reasons for being unable to proceed with fertility treatment. Nearly a quarter of patients reported delaying or canceling treatment altogether.
One patient, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared their story with the charity. They mentioned having one frozen embryo left that they had spent two years saving for. Unfortunately, they are now unable to afford the cost of transferring the embryo. Additionally, the freezing period for their embryo is set to expire soon, requiring them to find the funds for another year of freezing, or else their embryo will be destroyed.
Fertility Network UK is urging the government to address the “IVF postcode lottery,” which refers to the unequal access to IVF treatment across different NHS areas. Currently, only 13% of areas offer the recommended three IVF cycles for women under 40, while 65% offer just one cycle.
The financial burden of IVF treatment is a challenge for patients like Laura Jones, who has so far received treatment through the NHS. Balancing the costs of IVF with daily living expenses can be overwhelming. Laura has already spent £1,500 on mental health support and had to pay for a private progesterone prescription due to concerns about low hormone levels. Unfortunately, the NHS does not cover these additional expenses. Moreover, the cost of storing her remaining embryos amounts to £300 per year, which is a significant financial burden.
Laura and her partner, Jack, are determined to continue their IVF journey, even if it means struggling financially. They would never consider getting rid of their embryos, even if it meant missing bill payments. However, they are aware of other couples who have been forced to quit treatment due to financial pressure.
Another patient shared their experience anonymously with Fertility Network UK. They had to remortgage their house and borrow £15,000 from a credit company to afford private IVF treatment. They currently have four remaining frozen embryos, which represent their last hope of having their own children. Unfortunately, they cannot afford the cost of transferring the embryos, which is devastating for them.
The emotional toll of IVF treatment is often overlooked, as patients undergo significant physical and psychological changes. Laura experienced suicidal thoughts after her failed IVF cycles. She believes it is crucial for women to be better informed about the entire IVF process, including the financial implications. Additionally, she hopes that the NHS can provide a more personalised and supportive experience for patients, making them feel like individuals rather than mere numbers.
How are you coping with the cost of fertility treatment? If you need any support, drop us a line at info@ivfbabble.com.
