A woman who was denied NHS fertility treatment because her husband already has a child has said she feels “let down” by proposals for new eligibility criteria.
Sarah Curtiss, 30, from North Hykeham, has polycystic ovary syndrome and spent years trying for a baby.
After being refused free IVF, she campaigned to change the guidelines on who can access treatment across the East Midlands.
The new proposals, which follow a review, maintain the stepchild rule, though NHS bosses insist no decisions have been made.
Ms Curtiss helped to start a petition in 2021 and called on local health boards to “update their antiquated policies”.
“The policy needs to be changed so it’s fairer for families across the board,” she said.
“I deserve to be a mum just as much as anyone else.
“To not have that opportunity simply because my partner chose to have a life before he even met me, it’s absurd and it’s not right.”
Eighteen months ago, Ms Curtiss welcomed news of a planned review of fertility policy across the East Midlands.
There are five integrated care boards providing fertility services and, at present, most policies require that neither partner has living children. The review aims to create one policy for the whole region.
Ms Curtiss previously said she had received assurances that the rule regarding stepchildren would go.
However, she said she felt “disappointed” and “let down” after reading the proposals for the updated guidelines.
Ms Curtiss, who is now pregnant, said she would continue to fight for other step-parents who needed support to have a child.
“If anything, this pregnancy has spurred me on”, she said. “To know I’m going to be a mum is a magical experience and I want others to have that feeling.”
A spokesperson for NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board said: “We are conscious of the strength of feelings around fertility treatments and any proposals made around them, 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 forwards a proposal, no decisions have been made.”
Facing the Stepchild Rule: A Barrier to Parenthood
This rule remains one of the most significant hurdles for couples desiring to create a family through NHS-funded fertility treatment. It can feel outright exclusionary, preventing access to services based on whether either partner has children from previous relationships, including any adopted children. For many, this regulation feels unjust, as it equates stepchildren with biological children in terms of eligibility.
While the intention is clear—prioritize those without any children—the policy can seem unfair to those who have assumed parental roles in blended families. The emotional impact shouldn’t be underestimated. Imagine if you are passionate about having a child with your partner, but a past relationship’s offspring stands in the way of realizing that dream.
Navigating this rule requires understanding and patience. Couples must document parental status carefully, as NHS providers adhere strictly to guidelines that consider child welfare and parental consent significant factors. The pathway to parenthood can feel uncertain, making it essential to explore all avenues, including potentially seeking support and advice elsewhere if faced with this barrier.
Ultimately, the stepchild rule underscores the challenges surrounding fertility fairness. If you’re in this situation, know that you’re not alone in encountering the complexities of the NHS criteria. Staying informed and seeking community or legal support might be vital in navigating this difficult path toward achieving parenthood.
The Quest for Fairness in the UK’s Fertility Policies
Facing such restrictions can be disheartening, especially when you’re longing for a family. The guidelines, such as the controversial stepchild rule, continue to be a point of contention. While intended to prioritize limited resources, the result is often a landscape where fairness is questioned and feelings of exclusion persist.
Supporters of policy reform argue for consideration of the unique circumstances of each individual seeking assistance. The call for fairness is loud and clear, urging for an equitable system that offers hope rather than hurdles. Prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of those affected is as crucial as the resources themselves.
When considering these changes, it’s vital to engage with those impacted directly. Listening to their stories can provide invaluable insights into how current policies affect individuals on the ground.
By addressing the disparities within the healthcare system, progress towards more comprehensive support for all prospective parents is not only possible but necessary.
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