Proposition lodged to improve funding for IVF treatment in Jersey

People in Jersey could become eligible for three fully-funded IVF cycles if a new proposition is approved.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson has lodged it, calling for an improved funding model for treatment.

Currently, government support is means-tested and only covers the medication cost for three cycles, around £3,000 in total.

However, fees on top of this mean it can cost more than £7,000 per round.

If these changes are approved, Jersey would fall in line with UK and Europe guidelines.

In the current means-tested system, there is funding for the full cost of treatment for couples with a combined income of up to £40,795.

However, if two people work full-time on minimum wage, they would have a combined salary above that.

Deputy Stephenson says no one has ever qualified for the full funding as it is so restrictive.

She added: "Providing fair funding keeps today’s workers here, I know lack of funding has driven some away."

Fertility charity Tiny Seeds has been campaigning for a change in policy for years and welcomes the proposition.

Operations Manager Chloé Fosse said: "Infertility is a disease and it is time that our government and healthcare system recognise it as such. The current means-tested funding system is outdated and unobtainable to almost all and as a charity, we have voiced over and over again the real-life impact that the lack of a fair and equitable funding system is having on those who need IVF treatment to conceive."

Ministers are expected to discuss the proposition later this week.