Same sex couple funding

Can anyone tell of a pct that actually allows funding for same sex couples to have ivf?? My partner and I live in Brighton and apparently Sussex county council doesn't allow funding even though I have a blocked tube and a very low Amh( ovarian reserve) I want to know if this is a generic across all the pct's??

[SachaBlack]

Each PCT is different. NICE just recently changed their guidelines so that couple who go through 6-12 inseminations are eligible. Unfortunately there isn't any funding for lesbian couples as such. However, because you have fertility issues they will take you as a single women. As much as that annoys me that's what me and the wife are doing now. They are taking me as a single women I believe but you still need to fit all the criteria for your pct. so mine includes things like being normal weight, having an identified cause etc. I would ring your pct directly and say I have fertility issues do I fit the criteria? I wouldn't even mention the fact your gay. I find it awful that we have to be sneaky like this just because there isn't equality yet. I could rant about how much insemination costs and the fact that straight couples don't pay... But I won't... Ok I did a bit just then! Anyway your best bet is to ring your pct... I will have my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how it goes

[Hidden]

Thank you soo much for that we didn't have not contacted our pct with regards to that however I did contact them prior to our appointment with the gynaecologist and they will be getting back to me soon. However I cannot help but think that if that was possible the gyno would have told us, as she is gay herself and felt very strongly about it as well, but I will let you know what happens I have already contacted my gp and have every intention of contesting this as it is discrimination as I do have a blocked tube which under the nice guidelines entitles me to funding. They were not even willing to consider taking me as a single woman. Sorry I am soo upset and sad right now it is making me want to cry.

[SachaBlack in reply to Hidden]

Hi Yvey, yes, I think it is discrimination too. Your PCT wouldn't refuse a straight single women, so they can't refuse you. especially if you have a known cause. Don't get too down. I know IVF is really expensive in the UK, but there are other options. I went to Denmark to try an IUI, which is significantly cheaper than here, and so is IVF. Where in the UK you are looking at 5-6000 per cycle of IVF, its only 4000 for THREE cycles in Denmark, much much more affordable, besides, the flights are super cheap too... Don't ever give up up, and don't give up trying Keep us all updated xx

[Hidden in reply to SachaBlack]

I will defrost keep you updated I have every intention of fighting it, I have been doing a lot of research although some of the information that I have accrued seem out dated they are still being implemented in Sussex and as far as I can see it isn't stated anywhere that Sussex doesn't offer ivf to same sex couples so I'm preparing my case.

[SachaBlack in reply to Hidden]

So I had my consultation today with the NHS and they have accepted us for IVF I have 1 more test and then they are referring us to a clinic of our choice. So I think it is very pct dependent. But ours didnt have a problem at all with giving me ivf even though im a lesbian. Check the new NICE guidelines though. The murky water is when lesbians have fertility issues. You should be accepted as a single women because you have fertility issues. U need to get your PCTs IVF criteria though. It's a really hard one. But I agree with Nicky, you can try your MP. And also email NICE directly but explain that you have fertility issues and therefore should the NHS be treating you irrespective of your sexuality. If I can help at all let me know?

[Hidden in reply to SachaBlack]

Congratulations that is fantastic I have been looking into it apparently sussex has a policy where they, say that they don't want to get involved when its a case of donated genetic material now I'm guessing that ever though we said we will be using a known donor the consultant had overlooked it and a summed that we will be paying for donor sperm. But I am very pleased for you that is wonderful news.

[Nickydelll]

Gosh it broke my heart to read your last message. The whole IVF thing is heartbreaking and I never realised how painful the journey would be. My husband was diagnosed with 0% sperm count but offered to do a further examination/operation. We asked for funding for this procedure and to have my eggs removed but they declined. We are live in Crawley, Sussex.

Anyway what I waned to say is I feel your pain and pray that somehow you get some funding so you can start your IVF journey. Lots of love xxx

[Nickydelll]

P.S we've had to pay for our treatment cause NHS said NO!

[Hidden]

That isn't right is it me or is Sussex just not willing to fund any form of fertility treatment? That is atrocious why are they willing to put people through such heart ache?? I hope that everything is going well at the moment.

[Nickydelll]

I think you'll probably find out that at this moment in time Sussex isn't funding IVF. They certainly wouldnt help us and they won't help us now we are going to be using donor sperm. Personally I dot think it is anything to do with the fact that you are a same sex couple. However, if it is it is absolutely disgusting and you should fight them. Go to the press and your local MP.

[Hidden in reply to Nickydelll]

Oh thank you I know what your saying I think it's more to do with the fact that they just cannot be bothered about patients.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Can I just add that if you wish to appeal against any decision made against your funding, we have some template letters to fill in and send off to your PCT if you want to. Have a look at our website infertilitynetworkuk.com start on “Home Page”. Have a look at the headings at the top and scroll across to “NHS Funding” and click. Scroll right down to the bottom of a very long page, and you will see some “pink” writing – these are the letters to use – one for request and 2nd one to appeal if turned down. Just above these letters there is another small “pink” bit to click on to find the address of your PCT if you don’t have it. There is also a link to an interactive map too, so you can see what you are “allowed” in your area. Best of luck! Diane

[Hidden in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you Thank you this was absolutely helpful

[anncor]

post edited by admin

dont mean to offend anyone am just making my point

[Hidden in reply to anncor]

Wow how ignorant are you? Are you forgetting the part where I stated that I have a blocked tube and for your information we have a known donor I'm sure your your "close" friend really appreciated your words of wisdom next time please keep it to yourself. I would not have gone to my gp and In turn been referred to the gynochologist if I didn't have a clear infertility issue keep your two cents to your self, I suppose in your wise opinion single females who want to have children with donor sperm should be allowed because they are straight and simply have not found the right man just yet in your eyes please don't upset me seriously jeez.

[SachaBlack in reply to Hidden]

Well said Yvey hope your well and still fighting best Wishes xx

[SusanS]

The purpose of this site is to provide support and information to those who have a fertility problem. It is not the correct platform for registering personal opinions, political, religious or other beliefs and posts which promote such personal opinions will be removed to avoid causing offence