The government has been urged to expand its “restrictive” criteria for fertility treatment funding after it emerged that only a tenth of the annual budget was spent in the first half of this year – while dozens of would-be parents were turned away.
Health Minister Deputy Tom Binet confirmed in July that just £62,000 of the £620,000 set aside for funded in vitro fertilisation treatment had been used since the new criteria was introduced in January.
During that time, 43 islanders were seen by the Assisted Reproduction Unit but did not qualify for funding. Of these, two-thirds were denied financial support because they or their partner already had a child.
The figures, revealed in response to a written question by Deputy Lucy Stephenson, have been described as “concerning” by a local fertility charity.
Tiny Seeds founder Chloé Fosse said: “It is concerning to see that the majority of Jersey’s IVF budget remains unused while most people who need treatment are excluded by restrictive criteria.
“Fertility treatment is time-sensitive, and delays in widening access mean many islanders are being left without support.
“We have asked the Government to consider accelerating their review, to widen the criteria, and to make the system fairer for all.
“This isn’t about asking for extra funding – it’s about ensuring the money already allocated reaches the people it was intended to help.”
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, who has repeatedly warned that the current rules exclude many families, said: “I’d like to see the criteria widened as a matter of urgency to ensure that the money budgeted to help people who need it is spent as intended and treatment isn’t being needlessly rationed.
“Every month really does matter to some fertility patients, and it’s disappointing that ministers say they cannot review the criteria more quickly.”
Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell, who has responsibility for women’s health, argued the underspend was “anticipated” – and said she would “do [her] very best” to ensure the allocated fertility funding is not spent on other services.
Speaking in the States Assembly yesterday, she said: “We knew it would take some time for eligible couples to start the IVF process.
“This includes couples who were waiting for treatment from the Lister Clinic, with which Health Care Jersey has only recently signed a contract.”
Responding to questions from Deputy Stephenson, the Assistant Minister added: “We recognise that the existing IVF criteria may be too restrictive, and we have committed to review them.
“Once we have more financial data on which to base our decisions, which we are currently doing, we will discuss any recommendations and update the Assembly on any changes that may be brought forward – but this will not be until after the end of October.”
Every month really does matter to some fertility patients, and it’s disappointing that ministers say they cannot review the criteria more quickly
deputy lucy stephenson
Since the new IVF criteria and funding system was introduced in January, 17 islanders have been provided with IVF treatment.
This resulted in nine positive pregnancy tests in the first six months of the scheme.
Under the new model, all couples are eligible for one funded cycle of the fertility treatment, irrespective of income.
Those with a gross household income of less than £200,000 are eligible for two funded cycles of IVF, whilst couples earning under £82,300 are eligible for three funded cycles.
In addition to the financial criteria, couples must meet a set of additional specifications, including age and BMI restrictions.
There is also the requirement for the couple to be in a stable relationship, and for both partners to be childless – including children from previous relationships.
But Deputy Stephenson has repeatedly raised concerns that this restriction could exclude existing parents struggling to conceive another child.
“Removing the non-clinical access criteria, such as having existing children or having paid for their own IVF previously, should be a priority,” she said yesterday.