Women over 40 and single people would not get free IVF treatment through the NHS under plans put out for consultation in Wales. The proposals have been criticised by charity Fertility Network UK, which described the proposals as a "major step back."
At the moment, women aged up to 40 are entitled to two free cycles of IVF treatment through the NHS in Wales. Women aged 40 to 42 are entitled to one cycle while it is not recommended for women over the age of 42 because of the reduced chance of success.
The proposed plans would see women over the age of 40 and single people excluded from accessing NHS IVF treatment. Under the changes - a woman would have to be referred for IVF before her 40th birthday and would only be able to receive one cycle of treatment up until their 41st birthday. Women between the age of 40 and 42 will no longer be referred for the treatment. The changes are outlined in the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee’s (WHSSC’s) new fertility policy, which also include changes to how same-sex couples access NHS-funded-IVF*
