In Vitro Fertilization

You are involved in setting up a specialist clinic for GPs to refer patients for consideration for fertility treatment funding. You have been asked to draw up some guidelines so that GPs know which patients would be eligible for fertility treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Part of the discussion within the group has been to consider the interpretation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and its application for funding decisions in practice. But you quickly realize that this is quite an emotional subject and individuals within the group have very strong views on when fertility treatment should be available. You decide more information is needed before guidance can be drafted and delegate fact finding tasks to the other members of the team.

• How does the law regulate assisted conception both privately and on the NHS?
• Are there limits to provision of NHS fertility treatment?
• Is there a ‘right’ to have a child?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Clinical Ethics and Law, Second edition. Carolyn Johnston, Penelope Bradbury, Series editor: Janice Ryme