UK sees increase in single women and female couples seeking IVF

A report from the fertility regulator indicates a rise over the last decade in the number of single women and female couples in the UK undergoing IVF or artificial insemination. The count of single women receiving treatment, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), grew from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022. Concurrently, the number of female couples treated doubled to 3,300 during the identical timeframe. Heterosexual couples continue to represent almost 90% of all IVF procedures. A fertility charity highlighted that numerous female couples and single women still encounter significant financial obstacles to demonstrate their infertility before becoming eligible for NHS-funded IVF. An increasing diversity of family structures are pursuing fertility treatment. Heterosexual couples underwent 47,000 IVF or donor insemination (DI) treatments in 2022, an increase from 45,300 in 2012. However, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) report states that one in six of all private and NHS fertility treatments in the UK are now accessed by single women and female same-sex couples. Laura-Rose Thorogood and her female partner have invested £50-60,000 over the past 13 years to have their four children. “It’s been a tumultuous journey – we knew we had to pay for it ourselves and we’ve had to sacrifice lots of things to do it,” she states. Laura-Rose expresses gratitude for having more than one child and acknowledges many other LGBT couples who ceased trying for children due to the expense. She established LGBT Mummies, an organisation that offers guidance on parenthood and advocates for equitable access to fertility treatment. “The whole system needs to be reviewed,” she adds. Many heterosexual couples also recount the difficulties associated with multiple IVF rounds and the emotional fluctuations experienced throughout years of treatment. NHS funding for fertility treatment continues to decline, now covering only 27% of IVF cycles, a decrease from 40% in 2012. Among individuals aged 18-39 undergoing their initial treatment, heterosexual couples receive 52% of NHS-funded cycles, with female couples accounting for 16% and single women 18% – both representing a slight increase. The HFEA report characterises IVF as “one of the most invasive and expensive treatments per cycle.” Nevertheless, more female couples and single women are opting for it for various reasons, including the growing popularity of Reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs (for fertilisation by donor sperm) and the other carries the baby. Overall, the report found that one in four IVF treatments resulted in a birth. IVF birth rates are higher among single women and female couples, who are less likely than heterosexual couples to be undergoing treatment due to infertility issues and may also be awaiting other treatments. Eligibility for NHS funding is contingent on the patient’s place of residence. In England, NHS funding relies on criteria established by local integrated-care boards, which exhibit considerable variation. Conversely, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland operate under a national policy. In Scotland, 78% of IVF cycles receive NHS funding, compared to 53% in Wales and 45% in England. However, Scotland currently does not provide funding for fertility treatment for single women. The previous government announced intentions to eliminate barriers to treatment for female couples in England, who, in most regions, are required to pay for at least six cycles of artificial insemination before being approved for NHS-funded IVF. However, the charity Fertility Network UK commented: “This has not yet happened, leaving female same-sex couples and single women who want to become parents having to pay, if they are able to, for their own medical treatment.” Stonewall, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, asserted that urgent reform is necessary to ensure everyone desiring children has equal access to services. The HFEA stated it encourages healthcare providers “to make sure the information they provide represents the diversity of families and patients accessing treatment.” An official from the Department of Health and Social Care in England affirmed: “There are clear clinical guidelines making sure there is equal access across the country and we fully expect these to be followed.”