Lockdown heartbreak for people needing IVF
Video report by Anna Youssef
One in six people have fertility issues and while most IVF clinics have continued to stay open during this lockdown the impact of the pandemic is still affecting many people's fertility journeys. Access to NHS services can be a postcode lottery resulting in people travelling abroad for treatment- a route that hasn't been possible with travel restrictions.
Natalie Harris from Southport has had five miscarriages in seven years and can no longer conceive naturally. Unsuccessful IVF on the NHS means Natalie and husband Matt's only option now is to pay privately. They had been planning to go abroad for treatment but the pandemic put those plans on pause and they feel powerless. Foreign Office guidance advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.
Nicola Johnson is unable to have her own biological children and isn't eligible for IVF on the NHS. She's hoping to become pregnant through embryo donation and had been due to travel to Spain for treatment next month. But Covid restrictions mean that trip is now on hold and she feels the clock is ticking on her chance to have a child. Nicola's writing a blog about her experience of trying to become a mother.
Gwenda Burns, the Chief Executive of Fertility Network says: "Fertility treatment is emotionally, physically and psychologically stressful and on top of that you may have the financial pressures of having to pay for treatment and for some people it's like a race against time.
On top of all that we have the heightened stress and uncertainty of a pandemic. Some people do go abroad for fertility treatment but what we would say is make sure you do your research, think things through and remember the charity is here to support you."
Natalie and Matt's friends have started a fundraising campaign to help pay for their IVF.
To donate click here: Nat and Matt gofundme
For information on fertility issues: Fertility Network