It has been forty years since the first baby was born through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
The fertilisation process is truly remarkable, giving families everywhere the opportunity to overcome genetic obstacles and create life.
This impact can be seen worldwide as over eight million babies have been born via AVF over the years.
But the journey isn’t easy for a lot of parents who decide to participate in this long process.
Many only turn to IVF after years of trying to conceive naturally, like British musician Harry Judd and his wife Izzy.
The couple could not be more happy to have their miracle baby Lola.
“Looking at Lola today I couldn’t feel more grateful to this unbelievable medical science that has meant so many of us have been able to have a family who may not have otherwise been able,” the mum gushed.
Unfortunately, IVF is becoming a scarcer option for families in England due to financial restrictions.
Many parents are cash-strapped with 60% of them forced to fund some or all of the fertilisation process themselves, according to the NHS.
As a result, many feel forced to implant multiple embryos or seek IVF treatment in clinics abroad with lower rates and less restrictions.
However, these multiple transfers have been statistically proven to increase health risks in a report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
The NHS has urged British clinics to halve rates of multiple embryo transfers, using Sweden’s low percentage as an example.
But what these authorities fail to realise is that many parents are left with little alternative to the higher-risk procedure, according to Professor Lesley Regan from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG),
She explained that many parents opt for multiple embryos because they can only afford one go at IVF and this would increase their chances of conceiving.
So Lesley has called for the British government to step in and help.
“The RCOG has been calling for government funding of three full IVF cycles – as recommended by national guidelines – since it is regarded to be the most important factor in maintaining low rates of multiple pregnancies following treatment and reduce associated complications for mothers and their babies,” she said.
Julie Wood, chief executive of NHS Clinical Commissioners, was quick to respond and remind the public of the NHS’ limited financial resources, according to The Telegraph.
But she encouraged “commissioners across the country to look carefully at the information in today’s report to ensure… the most effective use of the limited NHS pound.”
IVF can be a tough process for many families to experience but there is a rewarding chance that would otherwise be impossible.
Izzy Judd advises mums who choose this path, like she did: “I’m sure there are many going through IVF right now or perhaps longing for this science to be their miracle so I want to support all those and send love to anyone who has been touched by IVF. Dare to dream.”
Hopefully, the NHS heeds the chief executive’s urge to reallocate funds to this much-needed parental cause.
