An MP is urging health chiefs not to cut access to IVF in light of a merger between three integrated care boards (ICBs).
Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has written to the chief executive of the new cluster of ICBs to raise concerns about potential reductions in NHS-funded IVF treatment as part of an ongoing merger between neighbouring ICBs.
The merger, involving Somerset, Dorset, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) ICBs.
Ms Gilmour said: "With the merging of several ICBs, the leadership team now have a choice.
"Do they want to collectively raise the standard of IVF care offered to the best ICB, or let it drop to the lowest common denominator?
"I know what my constituents would want to see from the new cluster, and it is not a harsh restriction on the ability of my constituents to access IVF services.
"Having gone through fertility treatments myself, I know the tremendous impact processes like this can have on a family.
"Without these treatments, I would not have two of my wonderful children.
"I urge the ICB to do the right thing for families across Somerset, and raise up the access to ICB to the levels of Dorset or BSW - not the other way round."
Eligibility rules for NHS-funded IVF currently differ between the three ICBs.
BSW ICB offers IVF to people aged 25 to 40 who have not received more than two previous IVF cycles, NHS funded or self-funded.
At least one partner must also have no children from either the current or a previous relationship.
Dorset ICB provides treatment for women up to age 42 under similar criteria but permits one previous NHS-funded cycle.
Somerset’s criteria are the most restrictive, limiting access to those aged 23 to 40, with no children from any relationship, and excluding anyone who has had previous self-funded or NHS-funded IVF.
Ms Gilmour is concerned that the new merged ICB could set the Somerset threshold as the standard across the cluster.
In her letter to Jonathan Higman, chief executive of the new cluster of ICBs, she called for the cluster to "raise" provision to the level of the more generous areas, warning that lowering standards could put "the dream of biological parenthood out of reach" for many people.
Ms Gilmour has spoken publicly about her own experience with NHS-funded fertility treatment before the birth of her third and fourth children.
She said access to IVF on the NHS shouldn’t become a privilege only for those who can afford private care.
The NHS says treatment varies across the country because eligibility criteria are set by each ICB.
Somerset ICB currently does not fund IVF for women older than 40, whereas neighbouring ICBs offer some flexibility up to age 42.
Ms Gilmour has previously worked on improving maternity services through the Public Accounts Committee and a Private Member’s Bill.
The Liberal Democrats have also campaigned for fairer and more consistent NHS maternity services.
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