Marta Jansa-Perez, Director of Embryology at BPAS Fertility, the UK’s first not-for-profit fertility service, said:
“Infertility is recognised as a medical condition by the World Health Organisation and those affected should be able to access treatment without fear of workplace discrimination. We know that undergoing fertility treatment can be a very stressful experience, and employers should support anyone going through this difficult and often lengthy process. Given that the majority of individuals accessing fertility treatment will sadly be forced to pay privately for care which should be provided on the NHS, concerns about employment and financial stability will be particularly acute at this point in their lives. We urge Ministers to listen carefully to the concerns of fertility patients, and ask the government to ensure that there is adequate time during the next parliamentary session for MPs to consider Nickie Aiken’s important private members bill.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Katherine O’Brien, BPAS Associate Director of Campaigns and Communications, on katherine.o’brien@bpas.org or 07881 265276.
About BPAS
BPAS is a charity that sees over 100,000 women a year for reproductive healthcare services including pregnancy counselling, abortion care, miscarriage management and contraception at clinics across Great Britain. It supports and advocates for reproductive choice. BPAS also runs the Centre for Reproductive Research and Communication, which seeks to develop and deliver a research agenda that furthers women’s access to evidence-based reproductive healthcare, driven by an understanding of women’s perspectives and needs. You can find out more here: https://www.bpas.org/get-involved/centre-for-reproductive-research-communication/
In 2021, BPAS launched BPAS Fertility, England’s first not-for-profit fertility service, to provide ethical, evidence-based, person-centred care that supports patients. We provide a safe, high-quality, and accessible service, without profiteering from patients. Our service gives those ineligible for NHS funding an affordable option to access the care they need.