THE Department of Health plans to fund IVF treatments from next year, Stephen Donnelly has revealed.
Ireland is currently the only EU country not offering State funded assisted human reproduction.
While the Health Minister said the Department plans to fund IVF treatments from 2023, a fertility expert has said there has been no contact from the Department or the HSE so far.
Clinical Director of the Merrion Fertility Clinic Professor Mary Wingfield said she’s delighted to see the issue get media coverage, she has heard similar promises from other ministers regarding the funding.
Speaking to RTE’s Morning Ireland, she said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this is getting coverage and that it is becoming a topic because we really need it.
“Until we actually see the detail, and I mean certainly we’ve had no contact from the Department of Health or from the HSE to any of the fertility clinics or maternity hospitals about IVF funding.
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“It’s quite a complicated endeavour to fund IVF and to decide who will be eligible.”
She added: “I’m not sure that any of those decisions have been made, and I’m certainly not aware of them or how it will be funded in Ireland, whether it will be that people will be funded to attend a private clinic or what the system will be.”
But the fertility expert noted that there has been “movement”, and that the HSE has set up fertility hubs around the country.
Prof Wingfield said: “They’re really just starting off, but at least it’s a move in the right direction, commitment and acknowledgement that there is a need for fertility treatment.”
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Meanwhile, she explained that the average cost of of IVF varies, but one cycle can cost some €6,000.
She added: “Depending on the woman’s age, there’s at the very best a 50 per cent chance of that working.
“If the woman is older then you’re talking about a 20 or 25 per cent chance.
“You can see how very quickly people will end up spending over €25,000 on treatment.”
TREATMENT STRESS
And she explained that IVF can be extremely stressful, and adding financial stress makes it that mush harder.
Prof Wingfield also urged people not to wait for the funding to come through as she thinks it’s unlikely it will be available next year.
She said: “I can’t see it happening in January 2023, so most people who have fertility issues have already been trying to get pregnant for two or three years, and to have to wait another two or three years is just not an option.”
It comes as Lidl Ireland have revealed they will be offering employees paid time off work for fertility support.
NEW POLICY
The new policy extends to all of the retailer’s 6,000 employees across its stores, regional distribution centres and offices across Ireland.
Speaking about the new policy update, Lidl’s Operations Manager Kate Bohan said: “Lidl’s ongoing recognition of the changing needs of our colleagues is a testament to the company’s commitment to being an employer that stands for more, and one that isn’t afraid to break stigmas on topics that historically were shrouded in silence.
“My partner is currently pregnant with our second baby through IVF, and I am immensely proud to see Lidl fiercely support women undergoing this process in a sensitive and caring way.”
She added: “The experience of IVF can be distressing, both emotionally and physically, and is not a topic commonly discussed.
“I was fortunate to have a very supportive line manager and I am grateful that my openness has helped shape this policy for colleagues who may be undergoing this process in the future.
“Through recognising the need for change in this area, Lidl is acknowledging not only the support needed in time off, but also contributing to the conversation surrounding IVF, which is beneficial to us as a workplace, but also as society as a whole.”