Today, I am standing here not just as a woman who has been through IVF, but as a woman who has experienced the heartbreak, hope, fear, and ultimately the devastation that often accompanies fertility treatment. In Northern Ireland, women like me deserve better. We deserve the same chance to become mothers as women in England. While women in England are eligible for up to three IVF treatments through the NHS, we in Northern Ireland are limited to just one. This disparity is unfair and unjust.

Fertility struggles are deeply personal and emotional. No couple or individual trying to start a family should face further challenges due to geographical inequality within the UK. The cost of private IVF treatment can be prohibitively expensive, rendering the dream of parenthood unattainable for many. This is not just a matter of personal dreams but of healthcare equity. Women in Northern Ireland should receive the same medical support and opportunities as their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

The financial and emotional burden of undergoing IVF is significant, and having only one chance provided by the NHS is not enough. Fertility treatment success rates can vary significantly by individual, and having multiple rounds offers a statistically better chance of success. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the success rate for IVF treatment increases with the number of cycles. Women in England benefit from this understanding, as their healthcare system supports multiple attempts.

By limiting IVF treatments in Northern Ireland, we are effectively denying many women and families the opportunity to grow. This is not only a healthcare issue but also a matter of basic human rights and equality. We are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to equalize the number of NHS-funded IVF treatments with the rest of the UK. We urge decision-makers to recognize the profound impact that family building can have on the well-being of individuals and communities.

We deserve the same opportunities, the same level of care, and the same number of chances. This is why I am speaking on behalf of all the women in Northern Ireland who seek fairness and equality in their journey towards motherhood. I urge each one of you to stand with us, support our cause, and help us bridge this gap in our healthcare system.

Please sign this petition to show your support for equal IVF access in Northern Ireland. Together, we can create change and ensure that every woman receives the support she needs to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother.