Trans men and lesbians to get IVF priority two years ahead of heterosexual couples under NHS plan
TRANS men and gay women are to be at the forefront of the priority list for receiving IVF under the latest NHS plans which could come into force as early as next year.
The proposed changes have been criticised by some as heterosexual couples are still expected to have to wait two years before they can access infertility treatment.
Currently undergoing review, the public consultation document is called a Case for Change and it has revealed considerations to extend IVF treatment in the public sector to include anyone with a uterus.
Same-sex female couples, single females, trans men and non-binary people have been included in this group.
The proposed changes could lead to the plans being rolled out across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
Currently undergoing an eight-week public consultation which is expected to end in January, the decided commitments could be seen in action as early as next year.
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The proposed changes already exist in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes with the service looking to extend the offering to those currently unable to access fertility services under the existing policy.
Earlier this week, critics tried to tarnish the plans suggesting that they were unfair towards heterosexual couples, who are still able to access IVF treatment but must wait two years to prove they cannot conceive naturally.
Lucy March from the Family Education Trust told : "At the very least these proposals seem grossly discriminatory towards traditional families."
Sarah Curtiss, a campaigner for NHS-funded IVF for infertile stepmothers added: "It seems they want to make [their policy] equal for everyone apart from those who have children from a previous relationship."
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Meanwhile, Senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes branded the proposal "grotesquely unfair, utterly bizarre" and "so nonsensically woke it is off the scale".
Representing a constituency in Lincolnshire which would be impacted by the change, the Conservative politician has previously been scrutinised after stating he does not have a "socially liberal bone in my body".
Many have flocked to social media to share their views too.
Stella Creasy, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Walthamstow quickly posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that those "attacking plans" could be "homophobic" and "utterly stupid".
The government website already offers an insight into the breakdown of IVF available on the NHS for each area of the UK.
A spokesperson for the ICB has previously said: "We are conscious of the strength of feelings around fertility treatments and this is why we are asking people to complete our survey and share their views, which will feed into the final policy.
"It is important to emphasise that, whilst we have put forward a proposal, no decisions have been made."
The Sun has approached NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board for comment.
