Smokers and vapers could be banned from IVF

The NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board is currently considering a number of changes to IVF treatment.

Transcript

00:00Smokers and vapors could be banned from accessing NHS-funded fertility treatment

00:05under proposals to radically change services and cut down costs.

00:10The NHS Cheshire Emergeside Integrated Care Board, which covers the five councils in Merseyside,

00:15as well as Halton, Warrington, Cheshire West and Cheshire East,

00:19is currently considering a number of changes to IVF treatment.

00:22The board's planning to bring a single fertility policy for the whole area in September

00:26to replace a number of different policies.

00:29A number of options are being considered.

00:31Keeping services the same could cost around £5 million a year,

00:34but other options could be considered, which could save as much as £1.3 million,

00:40though this would only give people one free round of treatment.

00:45Some changes are also being made around the rules for drugs and alcohol intake for parents,

00:49as well as overseas visitor eligibility.

00:52However, one of the biggest changes will be for parents who are smokers or vapors.

00:55The Integrated Care Board's proposing both partners should be confirmed non-smokers

01:01to access any fertility treatment and must continue to be non-smoking throughout treatment.

01:06This is because smoking increases the risk of infertility in women and men,

01:10and nicotine alone is known to affect development of the fetus

01:12and long-term safety data on e-cigarettes are unknown.

01:16At the moment, only female partners have to be smoke-free to access treatment,

01:20but both parents would be included in the restriction going forward if the proposals go ahead.

01:25This could result in a small number of patients being refused treatment.

01:29A report put to Wirral,

01:30counsellors on the Local Authorities Health Committee said male partners could feel disadvantaged

01:35by this revised approach, but the new requirement was following guidance.

01:40This is based on evidence.

01:41It reduced the chance of conception.