The number of free NHS-funded IVF cycles available in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester has been reduced to one to avoid a “postcode lottery” across the city region.
One cycle has already been available in six boroughs – including Oldham where the first “test tube baby” Louise Brown was born due to in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978.T
Tameside Council had offered three cycles, while two were offered in Salford, Wigan and Stockport, but from 1 April those authorities will reduce to one.
Katherine Sheerin, chief commissioning officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “Access to NHS-funded IVF currently depends on where someone lives, and that variation is unfair and cannot continue.”
The decision “was not taken lightly”, she added, and would bring the city region in line with most authorities across England.
However, the Fertility Alliance charity described the decision as “cruel and deeply damaging to people trying to start a family” .
NHS Greater Manchester first mentioned the proposal last year.
It offers one full IVF cycle to eligible women aged 39 and under, plus an additional attempt if the first cycle is cancelled or abandoned.
There are no changes to the eligibility criteria or the current offer of one cycle for women aged 40-42.
Sheerin said: “We know that fertility treatment is deeply personal, and that this decision will be upsetting and disappointing for some people.
“Moving to a single policy removes this postcode variation and brings Greater Manchester broadly in line with the approach taken by most areas across England.
“The updated policy will apply only to people referred to an IVF clinic on or after 1st April, so people already referred will continue to receive treatment under the previous policy.
“We will work with services and clinics providing IVF to make sure people receive clear advice and appropriate support.”
Gwenda Burns, chief executive of the Fertility Alliance, urged people to contact their MP with any concerns.
“It is especially concerning that this decision comes after an extensive consultation process involving multiple engagement events, working groups and significant public cost,” she said.
“Patients, clinicians and advocacy groups gave their time, shared personal experiences and participated in good faith, only for the final decision to contradict the clear direction of the consultation.
“This raises serious questions about the value of the process and how public voices and funds are being used.”
She added: “Offering only one NHS-funded attempt is not just clinically unsound, it is emotionally punishing.
“The impact will not be equal. Those who can afford private treatment may continue, while others will be forced to abandon their hopes of having a child.”