Single women face discrimination despite rising IVF numbers

In the UK, the trend of single women seeking fertility treatments has seen a remarkable increase over the last decade, with the proportion of single women undergoing IVF and donor insemination rising from 2% in 2012 to 6% in 2022. Concurrently, the rate for female same-sex couples has also doubled, indicating a growing acceptance and utilization of assisted reproductive technologies among diverse family structures. Statistics from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveal that single women averaged 36 years when starting IVF treatment, which is two years younger than the average in 2012. Despite these increases in access and success rates, reports show significant disparities in NHS funding for fertility treatments, with only 45% of cycles funded in England compared to higher percentages in Scotland and Wales. Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, noted the ongoing challenges single patients and female same-sex couples face regarding funding, and Sarah Lambert, from the charity Gingerbread, expressed disappointment over the persistent discrimination against single parents. Activists are calling for reforms to ensure equitable access to fertility treatments and support for all, regardless of relationship status or sexuality, emphasizing the need for urgent changes in policies governing these services.