Luton woman, 28, denied IVF treatment sets up petition to CCG

The 28-year-old from Luton, called Ami, was told by Luton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that she would only be eligible for IVF treatment once her menopause was over, using donor eggs.

But because of the unpredictable nature of Ami’s condition – premature ovarian failure (POF) – that could be up to ten years away.

Having POF means the chances of conceiving are low. Ami was diagnosed with the condition, which affects 1% of the population, when she was 26.

She wants to access IVF with the few eggs she has left.

Ami said: “I feel that it is a basic human right to be able to have a family.

“I have attempted to go for IVF privately but it would cost around £10,000 per cycle.”

Ami believes she “slips through the net” when it comes to accessing IVF through the NHS.

In response, Luton CCG stated: “In order to be eligible for treatment, service users should have unexplained infertility for three years or more of regular intercourse, or 12 cycles of artificial insemination over a period of three years.

“There is no criterion for couples with a diagnosed cause of infertility.

“We are unable to discuss individual cases. However we would advise individuals to discuss their eligibility for treatment with their GP so they fully understand the criteria they need to meet.

“Complex cases can be reviewed by an individual treatment panel if the patient’s clinician agrees there is a case to be made.”

Ami’s petition is online at https://www.change.org/p/luton-ccg-nhs-told-healthy-young-woman-they-will-only-fund-ivf-once-menopausal-please-help.