Jersey States vote to improve IVF funding

The Health Minister, Deputy Tom Binet agreed to move away from the current system

Replacing the current means-testing model for IVF treatment in Jersey has been agreed by the States.

The current system only funds full treatment for couples who earn a combined salary of less than £40,795.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson put forward a proposition to improve the system, and an amendment to the plan was agreed upon by Deputy Tom Binet.

The Health Minister agreed to change the current system, but stopped short of removing means-testing entirely.

'Where is the money?'

Mr Binet didn't want to commit to funding three IVF cycles for women under 40, due to the costs involved.

He said: "I've got to make a plain statement, we don't have a single penny in the budget towards this, so its all very well to vote for these things, and they are very, very desirable and I can't deny that, but where is the money coming from?"

Deputy Binet's amendment didn't specify how many cycles would be funded, or who would still be means-tested.

It did commit to improving funding for IVF treatment, replacing the current means-tested model, and bringing forward new access criteria that meets good clinical standards.

The Health Minister's amendment estimated the original plans would have cost £617,744 in additional funding for the assisted reproduction unit.

'Door wide open'

The amendment took out wording which committed to follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which would have offered women three funded rounds of IVF treatment.

NICE has long established clinical guidance for funding access to IVF treatment.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson said when it came to means-testing, the amendment "left the door wide open and we are walking right through it."

The charity Tiny Seeds which supports people affected by infertility in Jersey, said it was positive the funding offer was being improved, but it was disappointed means-testing was not completely ruled out.

The amended proposition was passed almost unanimously, with 44 votes in favour, one against and with one abstention.