A recent report from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has shed light on the increasing number of single women and female couples seeking fertility treatment in the UK. The report highlights a significant rise in the number of single women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022, as well as a doubling in the number of female couples treated over the same period.
Despite this increase, heterosexual couples still account for the majority of IVF treatments, with nearly 90% of all treatments being received by heterosexual couples. However, the report also notes 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.
The report also highlights the financial obstacles faced by many female couples and single women seeking fertility treatment. Laura-Rose Thorogood, who campaigns for equal access to fertility treatment, shared her experience of spending £50-60,000 on having her four children over the past 13 years. She emphasizes the need for a review of the current system to ensure equal access for all families.
NHS funding for fertility treatment continues to decrease, with funding for IVF cycles now covering just 27% of treatments, down from 40% in 2012. The report also notes that IVF is one of the most invasive and expensive treatments per cycle, with costs posing a significant barrier to many seeking treatment.
Overall, the report calls for urgent change to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or relationship status, have equal access to fertility services. The HFEA encourages healthcare providers to represent the diversity of families and patients accessing treatment, while organizations like Stonewall advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in accessing fertility services. The Department of Health and Social Care in England has emphasized the importance of following clinical guidelines to ensure equal access across the country.