§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which health authorities provide NHS treatment for(a) assisted and (b) surrogate pregnancy for childless couples; and if he will make a statement; [17965]
(2) what plans he has to designate (a) assisted and (b) surrogate pregnancies for childless couples on the NHS as clinically essential; and if he will make a statement. [17964]
§ Mr. HoramInformation on which health authorities provide national health service treatment for assisted and surrogate pregnancies is not available centrally.
The Department of Health does not designate which services are clinically essential. This is a matter for clinicians. Decisions about the availability of infertility services are for clinicians and individual health authorities to determine, as they are in the best position to decide priorities in the light of local needs and circumstances.