Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the NICE guidelines on NHS-funded IVF treatment to allow for exceptions in cases where (a) short-term illness and (b) clinical advice from NHS staff has prevented a person from starting IVF treatment before the age eligibility cut-off.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent body and is responsible for ensuring that its guidelines are up to date in light of changes to the evidence and clinical practice. NICE’s guideline on the management of fertility problems is currently being updated, with draft guidance due to be issued for consultation shortly. NICE guidelines are not intended to cover every health condition, clinical scenario, or treatment. In the absence of NICE guidance, there is an expectation that clinicians and the relevant commissioners make decisions on the most appropriate treatment for the people in their care.