HFEA plans on multiple births are double-edged

2.26.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Apr 2007

Commenting on today's launch of a consultation by the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) into whether only one, rather than two, embryos should be implanted in patients undergoing IVF in attempt to reduce the number of multiple births, Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat Science Spokesman and member of the Commons Science & Technology Select committee, said:

"Although it is felt that success rates can be maintained even after restricting the number of embryo transfers, some specialists believe that such restrictions will reduce the chance of pregnancy for some women.

"Moving to single embryo transfer will prevent a number of multiple births - however, it will mean that many women will now need extra cycles of NHS IVF in order to get pregnant.

"The real issue is the need to have better and fairer access to NHS IVF services in the first place, which are perverse and restrictive in many parts of the country. A women aged 33 might be too old for treatment in some PCT areas but too young for treatment in others.

"Despite the government's pledges about increasing NHS IVF provision, 75% of IVF in this country is currently paid for by couples themselves because they simply have no other choice. Given their lack of options, couples forced to pay for their own treatment may resent being told they are now not allowed to choose multiple embryo transfer after having the risks explained to them, even if their doctor thinks it will improve their chances of conception."