Vital the NHS provides IVF

Speaking at last week’s House of Commons debate on equitable provision of NHS fertility services in England, Nicola Blackwood, Minister for Public Health made the following points.
Infertility is a serious condition. The distress infertility causes cannot be overstated. Infertility has a powerful impact on those affected. It is therefore important that the NHS provides services for those that need clinical help to start a family.
The government has made it clear that any blanket restrictions on any healthcare service, including fertility services, is unacceptable.
NICE was established for the specific purpose of reviewing the available evidence, scientific evidence, working with stakeholders, to make recommendations which should be available to all within NHS. NICE guidelines are robust and fit for purpose and there is no need for them to be second guessed by commissioners.
It is entirely possible to implement the NICE fertility guidelines in full. I would strongly encourage CCGs to implement NICE fertility guidelines in full.
It would be helpful for CCGs to pool their resources and work collaboratively to get a better deal for their patients as has happened in the north of England.
The government’s view is that infertility is a serious medical condition, those suffering from infertility who meet NICE criteria should be able to seek NHS treatment. We do not agree with the view that IVF treatment should not be part of a comprehensive NHS .
I will be writing to NHS England to ask that it communicates clearly with the CCGs the expectation that NICE fertility guidelines should be followed by all.
The Department of Health, NHS England and professional and stakeholder groups will redouble the efforts to provide the benchmark pricing for fertility services which is a precursor to NHS England introducing a national tariff.
NICE will continue with its review of fertility guidelines this year.
I hope this series of actions demonstrates just how seriously the government takes this situation and gives all those watching this debate confidence of our ability to provide a practical solution to this serious problem.