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More NHS IVF Cycles in Scotland Than Private
28 Aug
Summary
- Scotland has more NHS-funded IVF cycles than private ones.
- Fertility treatment in Scotland saw over 6,000 cycles in 2024.
- Eligibility rules for IVF in Scotland consider relationship length and BMI.
In Scotland, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority data indicates a unique trend: more NHS-funded cycles of IVF are provided compared to private funding. This situation arises partly because private IVF treatments are less affordable for many.
During 2024, Scotland recorded over 6,000 fertility treatment cycles for more than 4,000 patients, marking a slight decrease from 2022's peak numbers. The landscape of fertility treatment has significantly shifted over the past two decades, with a notable increase in same-sex female couples and single women seeking treatment.
Specifically in 2024, 625 IVF cycles were administered to women in same-sex couples, with over a third receiving NHS funding. Single women underwent 330 cycles, but only 50 of these were NHS-funded. In contrast, England's NHS provision for single women varies by local health trust policies.
Scotland's current eligibility criteria for IVF treatment stipulate a two-year stable relationship, absence of sterilization, and that couples are eligible if one partner has a child, but not if both have children from previous relationships. Additional rules include a BMI between 18.5 and 30, non-smoking, limited alcohol/drug use during treatment, and the mother being under 42.
