Lincoln woman campaigning for step-mums to access to IVF on the NHS says this time of year is difficult for people wanting to start a family
Sarah Curtis started her My Fertility Matters campaign in 2021
A Lincolnshire campaigner is telling us how this time of year for families who are struggling to conceive is difficult.
Sarah Curtiss from Lincoln is ineligible for IVF treatment on the NHS because her partner already as a child - but the service is offered in other areas across the country.
She tells us how much this means to her…
"It's what families dream of. It is a dream come true to bring another baby into the family and to complete that unit. I've always said that having a baby for us is that missing puzzle piece, it's that one thing that connects me to my step-daughter more than anything because we'll share that baby through blood.
"I think Christmas especially for families who are struggling to conceive and have gone through that infertility journey, it's one of the hardest times of the year. I for the last 8 years and always gone 'next year, next year we'll have a baby, next year we'll complete our family unit' and I've dreamt about it for years and years."
Sarah Curtis started her My Fertility Matters campaign in 2021.
Last May health bosses agreed to review their policies but it's now launched a survey looking at whether to make any changes.
"I was disappointed because it kind of felt like step backwards"
We spoke to Sarah about her reaction to what's happening earlier this month.
She told us: "It looks like those proposals that we'd had reassurances for have almost U turned and they're looking to keeping those policies the same."
"It would mean families that do have children from a previous relationship wouldn't be eligible for IVF support."
A consultation's underway looking at whether any changes are actually needed.
NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across the East Midlands are seeking feedback from residents on proposed guidelines for a unified East Midlands Fertility Policy. This region includes the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire, along with the authorities of Derby, Leicester, Rutland, and Nottingham. A fertility policy outlines the NHS supported treatments available to people looking to access fertility services within their area.
Currently, fertility policies vary across the East Midlands, with differences in factors like age, BMI requirements, the number of NHS funded treatment cycles, and eligibility for same sex couples, individuals with children from previous relationships, and single individuals. This review aims to create a consistent fertility policy for the entire East Midlands, ensuring equal access to fertility treatments based on unified criteria.
It's coming to a close on Friday, 10th January 2025.
If you'd like to contribute to the East Midlands Fertility Policy Review, you can do here.
This survey is being conducted by NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB on behalf of the East Midlands region. For more information, please click here.
NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) will collect responses to this survey on behalf of the NHS Integrated Care Boards in the East Midlands. They will also facilitate any questions submitted through the platform and ensure they reach the relevant area for a response.
Sarah says: "When I found out about that I was disappointed because it kind of felt like step backwards within the campaign - it's devastating."
"There was so many reassurances we'd had so when we heard the proposals were to make that change it was devastating>"
Until you go through that you don't understand the devastation that causes
"For Lincolnshire and the East Midlands there's only one area - in Derbyshire - which has this policy that you can go for IVF support if you have a child from a previous relationship."
"It really is just a post code lottery and there's no rhyme or reason about why it's like that in different areas."
"I'd just like the ICBs (integrated care boards which manage services) across the East Midlands who are partaking in this review to really listen to the people this will be affecting to really consider the policy changes - it really does make a difference to families."
"Until you go through that you don't understand the devastation that causes."
In a statement - Lincolnshire's Integrated Care Board says it's conscious of the strength of feelings around fertility treatments and whilst they've put forward a proposal, no decisions have been made.