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06/07/2001
MINISTER UNVEILS DETAILS OF FERTILITY SERVICES
HEALTH Minister Bairbre de Brún has announced further details about the possible availability of publicly funded fertility treatment.
The development of an interim fertility service was first outlined in April, and pending further consultation, it will eventually come into effect later this year. However, stating that she realised many couples are already anxious to know if they will qualify, Ms de Brun said she was releasing details of the criteria that will apply for access to the treatment.
The announcement means that, for the first time, infertile couples in the province will have access to fertility treatment which will be funded by their health authority. Prior to this, only those who could afford private IVF treatment could receive it, often paying thousands of pounds for every attempt.
However, concerns have already been voiced that the vastly increased demand resulting from the decision to make fertility treatments free will mean that the waiting list for treatment will be extremely lengthy. In addition, variations in funding between health authorities could result in regional inequalities in the provision of treatment – otherwise known as the “postcode lottery”.
Referring to the need to put infertility services on a sound footing, the Minister said: “I remain committed to making effective health care services available to all those who need them and to services being provided on an equitable basis. I will be announcing details of the public consultation on the longer-term future of sub-fertility in the autumn.” (CL)
The development of an interim fertility service was first outlined in April, and pending further consultation, it will eventually come into effect later this year. However, stating that she realised many couples are already anxious to know if they will qualify, Ms de Brun said she was releasing details of the criteria that will apply for access to the treatment.
The announcement means that, for the first time, infertile couples in the province will have access to fertility treatment which will be funded by their health authority. Prior to this, only those who could afford private IVF treatment could receive it, often paying thousands of pounds for every attempt.
However, concerns have already been voiced that the vastly increased demand resulting from the decision to make fertility treatments free will mean that the waiting list for treatment will be extremely lengthy. In addition, variations in funding between health authorities could result in regional inequalities in the provision of treatment – otherwise known as the “postcode lottery”.
Referring to the need to put infertility services on a sound footing, the Minister said: “I remain committed to making effective health care services available to all those who need them and to services being provided on an equitable basis. I will be announcing details of the public consultation on the longer-term future of sub-fertility in the autumn.” (CL)
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