Monday, June 07, 2010

IVF babies aborted 'after women change their minds'

Dozens of young women are having abortions on the NHS after expensive IVF treatment because they have changed their minds about becoming a mother.

Some terminate pregnancies after splitting from their husband or boyfriend, others because they were pressured into starting a family. The phenomenon is worrying doctors and has triggered a backlash from family campaigners who accuse the women of treating babies like “designer goods”.



Data obtained from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority reveal that an average of 80 abortions are carried out in England, Wales and Scotland each year following IVF treatment. Up to half of these involve prospective mothers aged 18-34.

These women — usually the healthiest — are the least likely to conceive babies with abnormalities, suggesting a “social” reason may have led to the decision. Fertility specialists expressed shock at the figures. “I had no idea there were so many post-IVF abortions — and each one is a tragedy,” said Professor Bill Ledger, a member of the authority.

7 comments:

E said...

Its a shame that there is a waiting list of upto 3 years for some people yet there are those that treat it in such a trivial manner.

cath said...

At first I thought they should require any woman who gets an abortion after IVF to reimburse the NHS for the cost of both. Then I realized, that would just stop them from getting the abortions, not the IVF, and I'm not sure these women should be mothers... at least, not until they grow up.

I wonder if people seeking fertility treatments should be screened in the same way those seeking adoption are screened? I honestly don't know, but... maybe?

L said...

I guess IVF is covered by the NHS.  Maybe they need to rethink that policy...

E said...

With such a long waiting list and alot more commit and  eager to be parents, perhaps there should be a screening process since we are talking about bring in a child into a family. This should hopefully get rid of the people who might be 'treating babies like designer goods' and also the couples which are undergoing this  procedure, thinking it will solve problems in there relationship.
Perhaps enforcing, a policy where a court order is first needed before they are allowed an abortion is an option. This would mean only the committed are going forward with this procedure which will reduce waiting list and will save the NHS money (which during the deficit in the budget, is needed).

Insolitus said...

And there are people who basically throw away their precious gift of a transplant organ because they fail to have a healthy lifestyle afterwards. Should the NHS coverage for transplant surgery be "rethought"?

Anonymous said...

a transplanted organ is in most cases essential to survive, a baby is not. I agree if you want IVF you should pay for it.

Insolitus said...

So you think that only lifethreatening conditions should be covered, people should pay themselves for everything else? That would save quite a lot of money for the tax payer. I doubt the average tax payer would agree with you, though.