§ Baroness Coxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider the practice of ovarian hyperstimulation in infertility treatment following the recent death of a 33 year-old in vitro fertilisation patient in Dublin. [HL1841]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathDuring in vitro fertilisation treatment a patient's ovaries are stimulated to ensure that sufficient eggs are collected to allow one or two embryos to be placed in that patient at a later stage in her treatment. The drugs prescribed to the patient to achieve this are a matter for her clinician, using his or her professional judgment on the suitable dosage, taking account of guidance issued by professional bodies such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Every care is taken by clinics to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Where clinics are licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the authority requires that the patient information clearly sets out the risks and symptoms of OHSS. Clinics must also provide patients with 24-hour contact telephone numbers so that any patient who is concerned she may have symptoms of OHSS can obtain immediate advice and help.
The HFEA has no plans, at this time, to issue guidance on the use of ovarian stimulation.