PREVIEW

Rise in IVF Among Single Women and Female Couples: Financial and Regional Hurdles Persist. A report from the UK's fertility regulator reveals that one in six fertility treatments, including IVF, is now accessed by single women or female couples, BBC News reports. Numbers have risen significantly over a decade, with single women seeking treatment increasing from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022, and female couples doubling to 3,300. Despite the rise, heterosexual couples continue to make up nearly 90% of all IVF treatments, with 47,000 cycles recorded in 2022, up from 45,300 in 2012. Fertility Network UK highlights financial hurdles faced by female couples and single women, who often need to prove infertility before accessing NHS-funded IVF. NHS-funded IVF has dropped to 27% of cycles in 2022, down from 40% in 2012. Most funded cycles (86%) are for first-time treatments in women aged 18-39. Of NHS-funded treatments, heterosexual couples receive 52%, while female couples account for 16% and single women 18%. Female couples and single women have seen a slight rise in their share. Increasing birth rates per cycle, reduced risk of twin pregnancies, and the ability to store embryos for future use are among the factors driving the popularity of IVF. Reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides eggs and the other carries the baby, is also becoming more common. One in four IVF treatments results in a birth. Single women and female couples have higher success rates due to fewer infertility issues compared to heterosexual couples, who often require additional treatments. Access to NHS-funded IVF varies widely by region. Scotland funds 78% of cycles, Wales 53%, and England only 45%. However, Scotland does not provide funding for single women. Stonewall and Fertility Network UK have called for immediate policy changes to remove financial and procedural barriers for female couples and single women seeking IVF, emphasizing equitable access for all. The Department of Health and Social Care in England insists on equal access based on clinical guidelines, while the HFEA encourages healthcare providers to ensure information reflects the diversity of patients and families seeking treatment.
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