Overview

This bill aims to ensure equal access to NHS fertility services across England. It mandates national standards for fertility treatment, including eligibility criteria, types of treatment, and the number of treatments available. The bill also seeks to standardize pricing through a national tariff and empowers the Secretary of State to direct NICE and NHS Improvement to ensure equitable access and provision.

Description

The Access to Fertility Services Bill establishes a duty for the Secretary of State to guarantee equal access to NHS fertility services in England. This will be achieved through regulations setting national standards for:

• Eligibility for treatment: Defining who is eligible for fertility services, removing non-clinical barriers.
• Types of treatment: Specifying the range of fertility treatments available on the NHS.
• Number of treatments: Establishing a minimum number of treatments available to women based on their age.

These regulations must adhere to existing NICE guidelines (CG156 and QS73) and will be developed within 18 months of the bill passing, subject to parliamentary approval. The bill also introduces a national tariff for NHS fertility services, bringing them under the pricing system established by the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The Secretary of State is granted powers to direct NICE and NHS Improvement to address any barriers to equitable access or provision of services, with the power to intervene directly if necessary.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it is anticipated that implementing national standards and a national tariff, along with potentially greater access to services, will likely lead to increased NHS expenditure on fertility treatment.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Women seeking NHS fertility treatment: Potentially improved access and more equitable treatment across England.
• NHS Trusts: Required to adhere to national standards and pricing, potentially leading to changes in service delivery.
• NICE and NHS Improvement: Subject to potential directions from the Secretary of State to ensure equitable access and provision of services.
• UK Government: Responsible for funding the increased demand for fertility services.

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