One of the few NHS units that does not set rules about relationships is Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. Dr Alison Murdoch, Director of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, explains: 'There are no fixed rules on issues such as relationships. We would consider the case of a single woman on an individual basis. We probably would not treat her, but there are no fixed rules on that. To go through pregnancy on your own is a gruelling experience. If a single woman has thought it through, there is no reason why she should not do it. A lot of single women have brought up their children perfectly well.. There is a rule on considering the welfare of the child, but! excluding single women on that basis is dubious.'
There have been some efforts to challenge the right of health authorities to apply criteria --but without success. It has also been argued that their failure to fund IVF treatment is a civil liberties issue in that they are denying people their right to found a family - but this argument has not so far been put to the test in court.
NHS treatment is usually free. However, some units do charge fees, often on a means-tested basis. They do not normally cover the full cost of treatment, but can be quite hefty, running to several hundred pounds. As a rule, there is no substantial difference between the treatment provided by the NHS, and that provided in the private clinics - with one exception. The NHS usually does not offer women the choice between egg collection under sedation or under general anaesthetic - it is provided under sedation only. Many women are able to cope with egg collection in this way, but some prefer to have the choice.
Shirley M. Duran is a mother of two and an author of a variety of related lifestyle issues and topics with which has helped hundreds of mothers become pregnant. If you have any
pregnancy questions for which you need answers, it is recommended to visit: http://mypregnancyquestions.info/
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