In England, access to funded IVF treatment is heavily influenced by where you live and which GP you’re registered with. The criteria vary dramatically, affecting both the number of treatments offered (ranging from 1 to 3 cycles) and whether having a child from a previous relationship disqualifies you from receiving funding.

My Story

After seven years together, my husband and I got married and were excited to start a family. However, my journey to motherhood has been complicated by serious health issues. I suffered from a ruptured ovarian cyst, which led to septicaemia and peritonitis, leaving my fallopian tubes scarred. Doctors confirmed that I am an ideal candidate for IVF.

Following the standard fertility tests—checking my ovarian reserve and follicle count—I was shocked to learn that we are not eligible for NHS-funded IVF in London. The reason? My husband has a child from a previous relationship. This means we would have to pay upwards of £13,000 for treatment.

Yet, if we lived in Sussex, our treatment would be fully funded, and my husband’s child from a previous relationship would not be a barrier.

How is this fair, equitable, or inclusive?

With birth rates declining and more people choosing not to have children, shouldn’t those of us who genuinely want a family—but need medical intervention—be supported rather than penalised based on our postcode?

This situation isn’t about me trying to fund my IVF this is for all the women who want but cannot conceive without medical treatment and simply cannot afford it

This could be your daughter, grandchild, best friend in this situation and our health care should not be a post code lottery. With enough signatures this can go to parliament and make an impact