IVF Lottery - is this a gimmick?

[MamaSafe]

Hi there, just wondering if anyone has seen the report on the IVF lottery. I know lots of people have struggled to get the 3 cycles of IVF from their local NHS.

What do you think?

Is this an insensitive gimmick or genuine opportunity for someone who has tried every avenue to have a baby?

 

[x.kim.x.b]

your not aloud ivf till your 30 years old here, dont matter how long you have been trying or what you have tried they wont allow anyone to have ivf till there 30! So eg there could bt someone waiting for 6 years till there 30, or someone who has only been trying 6months could have it if there 30, all a bit confusing and i dont think its right it should be about age every case should be looked at indiviual! x

 

[x.kim.x.b]

sorry ment it should not be about age! x

 

[MamaSafe]

I agree, they are really strict on age for IVF treatment in UK and it seems to be a different rule for each NHS trust area. For example in Bedfordshire the maximum age is 40 and you can get 3 IVF cylces, but in Hampshire the maximum age is 34 and you can only get 1 IVF cycle.

The whole IVF cycle system is so unfair already! I don't think the lottery makes is more unfair, it's just your luck...

 

[MamaSafe]

Sorry your right - I'm on the older end of the scale! Minimum age criteria is crazy too, some trusts like Hammersmith & Fulham offer IVF at the age of 23... but other like you say not till your 30.

 

[Pamcakes]

I'm on the fence with this one.. great for the winner, really rubbish for all the ones that don't win... just something else to pin your hope on and most likely have fall through.

The rules seem to be so different all over. I was told you had to be on list at least x amount of years and so long as you'd been trying for a certain amount of time you would be considered. I have been offered it if hubby and I don't manage on our own within the year (so march next year) because I've had problems since long before we were ttc (seen a gynae consultant since I was 13 - nearly 13 years *feels old*)

None of it is fair really, the not getting preg, the lottery and the messed up criteria.. should be one set of rules and keep it fair on everyone imo x

 

[Lily7]

Where are you from? Here we only get 1 free go on nhs, if that fails you have to find the money to pay for anymore goes you want and go private!