Fertility clinics in the UK may be restricted as to the number of women having more than one embryo implanted during IVF. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority is thinking of introducing a maximum twin rate of 10%, as 25% of all IVF births in the UK result in twins, and the fact that currently three-quarters of all patients currently have two embryos transferred in IVF treatments.
It is said that most women are having multiple embryos implanted because primary care trusts refuse to fund the Government promise that all women under 40 are entitled to three full cycles of treatment under the NHS. Never mind that other countries, like Belgium, couples are entitled to up to six free cycles of IVF treatments, where one embryo is implanted, as long as the woman is under 36. If these new rules are approved, younger women with higher chances of success will only be allowed a single embryo transfer, while older women and those who have had trouble conceiving before would still be able to use two embryos. The chairman of the HFEA, Shirley Harrison, says, "It is our primary job as a regulator to make sure that IVF treatment is safe and appropriate. "
