Reducing the risks of IVF multiple births | Letters

It is time the UK followed other nations in imposing a single embryo transfer policy, says Professor Dr Geeta Nargund

Alice Richardson’s article (Doctors urge end to IVF postcode lottery to reduce multiple births, theguardian.com, 2 February) highlights the frustrating irony that the NHS is cutting IVF funding to save money, while inadvertently increasing the number of risky multiple births that cost them significantly more in treatment costs and long-term care. I applaud the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in its efforts to reduce multiple births, but it is time the UK followed other nations in imposing a single embryo transfer policy – this alone would save money that could be put back into IVF and enable more patients to be treated.

In addition, the private IVF clinics responsible for high multiple birthrates should be made to reimburse the NHS for both the costs of providing care for premature babies and treating the health complications for mothers associated with multiple births. The postcode lottery not only goes against the founding principles of the NHS, but also puts the health of mothers and babies at risk – it is high time that IVF clinics prioritise the health outcomes for women and babies.
Professor Dr Geeta Nargund
Medical director, Create Fertility

Continue reading... February 04, 2018 at 10:52PM