An expansion of the State-funded IVF scheme in Ireland is expected “imminently,” according to an industry expert.
The scheme, first announced in July of last year, has since referred over 1,000 couples to clinics for free treatment through their GP, with the first baby recently born as a result of the initiative.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told The Journal today that the Government aims to expand the scope for free treatments, as current restrictions - such as a maximum age of 40 and a maximum BMI of 30 - are preventing many from accessing the scheme.
Medical director of the Waterstone Clinic Dr John Waterstone told Newstalk Breakfast he expects an “imminent” expansion of the scheme.
“There’s been mutterings about whether treatment involving donor sperm and donor eggs might be included,” he said
“It hasn’t happened yet, but the feeling is that if it happens, it will be quite soon
“There are also rumours about PGTM, a special kind of IVF which desperately needs funding as it’s very complicated to provide, not easy to do.
“I think funding for that is imminent and I’m already telling PGTM patients, ‘Listen, I’m pretty sure it could be soon.’”
Only two clinics in Ireland provide PGTM treatments, which involve the removal of cells from embryos before they are transferred to screen for genetic diseases.
Current scope
Dr Waterstone explained how the State-funded IVF scheme operates at present.
“The mechanism at the moment is that the patient who wants to have funding for IVF provided by the HSE must have their GP refer them to the relevant hub,” he said
“There are six fertility hubs that have been set up by the HSE around the country and when the patient goes to a hub, they consider whether the couple is eligible.”
Eligibility
He said many couples are left out by current eligibility criteria.
“Couples are not eligible if they have already had more than one completed cycle of IVF,” he said
“In addition, the female in the couple must not be older than 40 at referral, and her BMI must not be more than 30, which excludes quite a few.
“It also excludes same-sex female couples who need sperm to have a baby and single women wishing to go it alone.
“It’s not used by couples desperate to have a baby or couples concerned about passing on a genetic mutation like cystic fibrosis.”
Around 10,000 IVF treatment cycles take place in Ireland every year.
Main image: A couple attends an IVF clinic. Image: Aleksandr Davydov / Alamy Stock Photo
