Do you think she should get IVF on the NHS?

Question

A woman in her late 40's, already has one child, wants another and is complaining cos the NHS won't fund it, she has paid for 3 goes privatly.

Is it time to give up?

Answer 1

Have you been watching this morning ?? I personally believe that she should not get IVF on the NHS due mainly to age. It is much more unlikely to work to one thing and I believe that late forties is too old to be having children, especially if your body is not doing it naturally. I am sorry to any older parents out there, but this is just my beliefs.

Answer 2

I have just been through IVF treatment which was NHS funded and that is all i'm allowed. I cant afford to go for another cycle as it would be far too expensive. I fitted all the criteria for free treatment i.e. no children (either myself or my partner), not overweight, not over 40 etc etc etc. If you already have children it shows that you can get pregnant naturally which is why they wont do it on the NHS. The treatment should only be for those that cant do it naturally for whatever reason. If the money was used for everyone then people like me and friends of mine who have children through NHS cycles would never be able to have children because there wouldnt be enough money to go around!!! This woman can obviously afford to go privately as she has already done it 3 times so why cant she do that again? And also she should feel grateful for what she has i.e. one child already, as some of us arent so lucky to be able to have children and she should cherish the one she does have!
Hope this makes sense :-)

Answer 3

The NHS only has limited funding for fertility treatment. It would be lovely if everybody could have it for free and for at least a couple of goes (for example) but they have to set up rules to suit both the biological chances of having a successful treatment and so that those who need the treatment most get it. I'm afraid, harsh as it is for this particular woman to accept, the fact that she's in her late forties with one child already doesn't put her anywhere near the top of the list for free treatment and given the limited funding, I think that's the right decision.

Answer 4

This is a very difficult question, because for some people it is difficult to understand how tormenting it can be to wish for a child, even if it is a second child. I can see both sides, the side that there is a huge strain on the NHS already and that she wishes for a child. I can also imagine that having a child at that age makes you feel younger again, it is cheating on age in some way, so i guess I would love to have one at that age myself.
However, it is not a medical necessity, unless she suffers from such bad depression about it that it would in the end turn out cheaper than providing her with medicine or therapy.

Answer 5

OMG this is so difficult as it is always controversial - personally in my thirties and having had to pay for two unsuccessful IVF sessions I am divided on this - I understand the desire to have children more than anyone although if the lady has one child already then she is already blessed more than a lot of couples. There are so many childless couples that are unable to afford IVF privately that they should have priority over those with children.
I think on balance she should not receive free IVF given she has already one child, but I do hope if she is able to afford to that she be given the opportunity to pay for further treatment if she wants it.
People cannot be judged for the timing of motherhood - its not that simple ......

Answer 6

I don't think that she should get NHS funded IVF. We had to pay for our first cycle (b4 the free cycles came in) and now because we have 1 child (thru that cycle being a success) we have to pay for another cycle - we won't get a free cycle. Therefore if she already has a child she doesn't fit the criteria for a free cycle. Hope this makes sense

:-)

Answer 7

I don't think they should fund it.. she is lucky enough to have one child and by funding her it might be taking the chance away from a loving couple that doesn't have any kids..

the NHS are very strict on who they fund.... they are even bringing in laws so that women with a bmi of 30 or over wont be able to receive funding....

she can always adopt..

Answer 8

Yes it is (give up), there is already a huge strain on the NHS. I think her body is telling her she is too old.

Maybe if she hadn;t left it so late in life to have another a baby she would be able to get pregnant the natural way.

Answer 9

sorry but ivf should be given to people who cant naturaly have kids and she obviously can when she has a daughter who cares if shes paid for 3 goes thats just her age thats not allowing her to have more children she really should get a grip and let people who havent got kids and cant have them naturally have nhs treatment

Answer 10

Perosnnaly i think she should be grateful for what she has. If she cant conceive naturally she should accept that she is meant to have no more children. I do not agree with IVF as it is against nature.
No woman has the right to a child, regardless of biological clocks and maternal needs. If a woman wants a child that badly maybe she should adopt. There are plenty of children out there who have no one to love them.