Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to encourage research into the effect of IVF treatments on the perinatal health of babies conceived through IVF.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), which has a broad portfolio of research into reproductive health, including assisted conception.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health. However it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications for funding are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.