§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Minister for Women what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of IVF treatment in the UK; and what the criteria are for IVF treatment on the NHS. [154324]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI have been asked to reply.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has revolutionised the treatment of infertility, allowing couples to have children they would otherwise have been denied. The success rate of IVF has continually increased over the years, as techniques have been refined. Currently the live birth rate per treatment cycle started in the United Kingdom is 22 per cent, (all women) and 25 per cent. (woman under 38).
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is expected to publish its guideline on the provision of National Health Service infertility services, including IVF, shortly. The Department of Health will consider issues of implementation in light of the recommendations in the NICE guideline.
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