Calls for more IVF support in the Channel Islands

It may take several cycles of IVF before a viable pregnancy

Families from the Channel Islands who have undergone in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment have called for more support for people having procedures.

IVF is not available in the islands, which means people have to travel, often to the UK, for treatment.

Parents who had had successful treatment said their savings had been affected and travel costs were tough.

Guernsey health bosses said support was offered, but not IVF. Jersey health leaders said costs were being reviewed.

Health chiefs in Guernsey said support was available for some travel and prescription costs, but not the IVF treatment itself.

Fertility treatments such as IVF are not always free on the NHS in the UK.

One cycle of IVF may cost up to £5,000 or more, and success rates vary from 32% for women under 35 to 11% for women aged 40 to 42, according to the NHS.

Laura Halford says her family has no savings safety net after paying for IVF

Laura Halford went to the UK for three rounds of IVF, starting in 2020, before giving birth to her daughter, Mabel, last August.

She said factoring in travel costs was tough.

"We were very fortunate that we had savings. But I know some people who didn't have anything and have put it off because they don't have that money," she said.

"With the cost of living rising now, our savings are gone, so we have no safety net to fall back on."

Currently, the States of Guernsey funds the cost of flights and approved prescriptions for IVF, but Mrs Halford said more funding would make it more "accessible".

Emma Després spent about £15,000 having her two boys Elijah and Eben, after treatment in Southampton.

Despite cost barriers, she said parents did what they could to "create that dream" of becoming a family and "make it come true".

'A struggle'

In Jersey, a fertility charity has recently been able to offer grants of £400 to help with off-island travel costs.

Chloe Fossé, founder of the Tiny Seeds charity, said extra travel expenses prevented some people from getting IVF.

She said: "You can be in a good role at work, you can have a good salary, but it's still a struggle"

Ms Fossé also said more funding could mean people get access to treatment sooner.

Guernsey's Health and Social Care Department (HSC) said the cost of off-island travel to Southampton was funded but a number of patients were now travelling to other locations.

It added that necessary prescriptions were "paid for as long as they are for drugs on the [approved medications] white list".

"HSC would, of course, wish to be in a position to enhance the provision of fertility... but are unable to do so due to the current financial constraints across the States of Guernsey."

Jersey's government said that the health minister was "committed to reviewing the costs associated with assisted reproduction services, in her 2023 Ministerial Plan".

It added: "This work will commence later in this year, alongside a review of contraception charges and the development of a women's health strategy.

"It is envisaged that costed proposals will then be brought forward for consideration by the States Assembly in late 2024."

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