At a time when the government is strapped for cash and the NHS virtually on its knees, NHS guidelines have today been published suggesting couples struggling to have a baby should get fertility treatment more quickly and even older women should gain access to IVF.
In other words, they want to increase the maximum age for IVF treatment from 39 to 42, and offer it to couples after two years of not being able to get pregnant rather than three years.
Isn't this just crazy? I feel for couples who can't get pregnant but do we really want more 40-somethings having IVF on the NHS? The chances of success are very slim, yet it costs the taxpayer about £3k per go.
Similarly, should couples be getting free IVF treatment after just two years of not getting pregnant? Surely if you're 25 you should at least have to give it until you're 30 before costing the NHS upto £9k.
What do you think? Am I being to harsh or is this another case of the government being too soft?
In other words, they want to increase the maximum age for IVF treatment from 39 to 42, and offer it to couples after two years of not being able to get pregnant rather than three years.
Isn't this just crazy? I feel for couples who can't get pregnant but do we really want more 40-somethings having IVF on the NHS? The chances of success are very slim, yet it costs the taxpayer about £3k per go.
Similarly, should couples be getting free IVF treatment after just two years of not getting pregnant? Surely if you're 25 you should at least have to give it until you're 30 before costing the NHS upto £9k.
What do you think? Am I being to harsh or is this another case of the government being too soft?