We need a code of practice for cross-border reproductive care

Cross-border reproductive care is becoming more widespread, but is fraught with safety concerns. We at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) have no objection to patients seeking reproductive treatments outside their home country. But to protect patient safety, we believe there should be a Code of Practice (COP) to protect patients, donors and potential surrogates...[Read More]

Is cross-border reproductive care a problem, and for whom?

As a clinician based in the UK, one cannot fail to be aware that some patients seek fertility treatments abroad. Until now we only had newspaper headlines or anecdotal evidence, but having presented the results of the first European study in Amsterdam at the annual ESHRE conference (1), we may now base our reflections on some facts, even if selected by the voluntary nature of participating colleagues and centres abroad....[Read More]

The continuing 'postcode lottery' of IVF access in the UK

Lord Winston's critique of the funding of fertility treatment in the UK sparked controversy and press headlines earlier this month. As I wrote in a recent letter to the Guardian newspaper (1), whilst I welcome Professor Winston's comments on the cost of IVF in the UK, he fails to address...[Read More]

The 'postcode lottery' in IVF

There has been much talk lately of the poor availability of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. But how much IVF do we need? According to a report published in the UK in 1994, a population of 100,000 people needs 40 cycles of IVF. Assuming this proportion to be correct, it...[Read More]