Changes to IVF support in Greater Manchester

Motion Text

That this House is deeply disappointed by the decision to standardise NHS Funded Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) to a 1+ cycle across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester when evidence shows that success rates increase over multiple cycles; notes with concern that this decision will remove a realistic chance of pregnancy for thousands of people across the region; further notes that Salford, Tameside, Wigan and Stockport authorities will reduce from two or three cycles to just one; acknowledges the serious stress, upset and grief that this decision will cause prospective parents; recognises with alarm that this decision will increase the economic barriers to having children, creating a two tier system based on income; also notes that the public consultation on this change found strong opposition to the decision to reduce all 10 boroughs to a 1+ cycle; notes that 74% of respondents either completely disagreed or disagreed with the proposal of a 1+ cycle offer; is alarmed that Greater Manchester NHS has ignored both NICE Guidance and public opinion; celebrates that the first ‘test tube baby’ Louise Brown was born in Oldham in Greater Manchester in 1978 and that approximately 1 child in every classroom is born via IVF; and calls on the Government to urgently review NHS Greater Manchester's decision.