Borrowing funds from her family, Nicole is now expecting her first child. However, those unable to afford private treatment encounter barriers in the NHS that legal experts argue discriminate against them. Over half of NHS integrated care boards exclude single women from IVF policies, while others require significant private spending to prove infertility through artificial insemination.
Unlike heterosexual couples who are asked about two years of attempts to conceive, single women face added financial and time challenges. While female same-sex couples receive funding for artificial insemination, no such commitment exists for single women, creating an unequal playing field, according to human rights law professor Atina Krajewska.
Georgie, facing both cost and time concerns, spent a substantial amount for six rounds of IVF to bypass artificial insemination. Despite the financial strain, her treatment succeeded, underlining the struggle single women endure for parenthood. Campaigners argue that, though NHS finances are strained, funding for the approximately 2,800 single women seeking IVF in 2021 is manageable.
Dr. Catherine Hill, CEO of Fertility Network UK, emphasizes the financial hurdle faced by single women in accessing NHS fertility treatment, stating that funding multiple cycles of artificial insemination is practically impossible for most. In exceptional cases, the NHS may refer single women directly to IVF, as seen with Jennifer Lon-Ho-Kee’s arduous journey through the system.
Initially denied fertility treatment due to her single status, Jennifer faced obstacles in accessing the care she needed. Upon reapplication a few years later, she was placed on a waiting list. Delays in appointments brought her perilously close to the age cut-off for fertility treatment in her region, resulting in her receiving IVF just days before surpassing the limit. Unfortunately, this round did not lead to a pregnancy, compelling Jennifer to invest thousands in fertility treatment abroad.
Mel Johnson, a solo motherhood coach, stresses the need for equitable financial support for single women, highlighting the challenges they face in starting parenthood. The government notes that local health services follow NICE guidelines and expects a review in 2024.
Learn more about the journey to motherhood as a single woman:
Watch the conversation between Mel Johnson and IVF babble co founder Sara about solo parenthood by clicking here
