NHS to give more couples free IVF

Fertility experts today welcomed new NHS guidelines recommending free IVF treatment for many couples.

Professor Alison Murdoch, chairwoman of the British Fertility Society, said that the guidelines - published online today by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) - would mean an end to the "postcode lottery" for NHS fertility treatment.

They recommend that women aged between 23 and 39 should receive free IVF treatment if the cause of infertility has been diagnosed or if the couple remain infertile after three years.

Women who have been diagnosed with causes ranging from damaged fallopian tubes, endemetriosis, abnormality of the uterus or ovulation would qualify for free treatment.

Free IVF will also be available where the male partner has a diagnosed problem.

Professor Murdoch said: "This is official recognition that the trauma suffered by couples unable to conceive is a legitimate call on NHS resources." She welcomed the end of the system whereby even couples in the same street may not qualify for free treatment depending on which side of the road they live on.

The guidelines were also welcomed by Child, the national infertility support network. Spokeswoman Sheena Young said she hoped the guidelines would lead to a "fair and equitable" service.

Nice is inviting members of the public to contribute their views on the draft guidelines at www.nice.org.uk.