"DISCRIMINATE? NOT US SAYS WOMENS HOSPITAL

21-05-2008

Birmingham Womens Hospital has denied that it discrimates against lesbians and single women in its provision of fertility treatment. The claim was made in last night’s House of Commons debate on the new Embryology Bill.

A spokeswoman said: "Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust’s Assisted Conception Unit provides NHS and private fertility treatment to patients in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

"All NHS treatment is funded by the Primary Care Trusts who have specific eligibility criteria for patients.

"PCTs are responsible for establishing criteria for access to IVF treatment in order to ensure that priority is given to patients with the greatest need and in accordance with NICE guidelines.

"For patients who wish to fund the treatment themselves, we have an equal opportunities policy which means that we accept patients regardless of sexual orientation."