• Question: do you think IVF should be free on the NHS?

    Asked by followtheyellowbrickroad to Meeks, Stephen, Tom on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Stephen Curry

      Stephen Curry answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Yes I do. Perhaps not indefinitely because if a couple tries several times to have a baby by IVF and it doesn’t work, there may be additional problems that prevent conception. The NHS is a great organisation and a credit to the UK but it is unfortunately not possible to pay for every single thing that people would like.

      I believe that people can have 3 goes with IVF for free on the NHS and that seems like a reasonable balance. But couples without children who are desperate to have some may well feel very different.

    • Photo: Tom Hartley

      Tom Hartley answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Up to a point, but it may need to be rationed as it takes resources away from more pressing health problems (such as treatment for sick children). At one time I thought I might not be able to have children, and through that experience I know how devastating it might be to someone who was set on starting a family. However I think the needs of living but very sick children should outweigh the wishes of potential parents who are not suffering from life-threatening illness.

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