UK government announces IVF law change to benefit same-sex couples

The UK government has announced two law changes to IVF provision, in an effort to help same-sex couples and people with HIV conceive.

Currently, female same-sex couples hoping to conceive via reciprocal IVF must first go through screening for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or rubella. This screening can cost up to £1,000 whereas under current rules, heterosexual couples do not need to undergo this screening.

The government aims to scrap this law, allowing female same-sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples when trying to conceive.

The law will also change to cover same sex couples so that where one or both partners have HIV but have an undetectable viral load, meaning the level of HIV virus in the body is low enough to not be detected by a test, they can now access IVF treatment. This will also include known sperm or egg cell donation to friends or relatives.

“Millions of couples dream of the joy of parenthood and bringing life into the world. But for many, that joy turns to unimaginable pain as they experience the distress of fertility issues,” said health minister Maria Caulfield.

“That’s why we’re changing the law, so it works for everyone and supports as many people as possible to conceive.

“Our flagship Women’s Health Strategy is committed to improving access to IVF and we’ll continue working to ensure as many people as possible can access this vital support.”

Caulfield announced the government’s intention to change the laws during a general debate on IVF provision in Westminster Hall.

The move is hoped to benefit hundreds of couples, including same-sex male couples in a surrogacy, female same-sex couples planning shared motherhood, and those seeking known donation from a friend or relative with HIV.

Dr Catherine Hill, head of policy and public affairs at the Fertility Network UK charity said: “Fertility Network UK welcomes this change in fertility legislation which will remove an inequality between how women in same-sex couples are treated when donating an egg to their partner as part of reciprocal IVF, and how heterosexual couples undergoing fertility treatment are treated.

“This legislative change, when enacted, will also be a step forward in removing the massive financial barriers facing female same-sex couples hoping to become parents via fertility services.”