Milton Keynes Labour leads call for fairer access to fertility treatment
A new motion passed in Milton Keynes is calling for fairer access to NHS fertility treatment ahead of National Fertility Awareness Week.
The motion, brought by Labour Councillor Leo Montague, highlights inequalities in access to fertility treatment depending on where people live. It was brought to a Full Council meeting last week and passed with cross-party support.
Around one in six people experience fertility issues, yet access to NHS-funded IVF varies widely across the country.
In Milton Keynes, eligible patients are currently entitled to a maximum of one non-full IVF cycle, despite national guidance recommending three full cycles for eligible women under 40.
The motion calls for an end to geographical disparity in fertility treatment, a fairer national standard for NHS fertility services, and to ensure access is based on clinical need rather than postcode.
It also commits the Council to raising awareness during National Fertility Awareness Week (November 2 to 6) and reviewing the support that is offered to employees undergoing fertility treatment.
Cllr Leo Montague, Labour Councillor for Watling, said: "Around one in six people experience fertility issues, and for many the journey can be incredibly difficult, isolating and emotionally exhausting. Fertility struggles are incredibly hard to talk about, and so too often people suffer in silence.
“No resident's chance of becoming a parent should be determined by where they live. I am glad all parties came together to support this motion and also raise awareness.”
While discussing the motion, Councillor Montague also shared his own family's experience of fertility treatment, describing the challenges faced and the importance of breaking the stigma around fertility struggles. He is pictured below with his daughter.