 News
1st May 2006
Warning over fertility treatment abroad
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)
is warning couples about seeking fertility treatment abroad as standards
in many countries do not match those in the UK.
Since laws came in last year removing the right of anonymity
for UK donors, European fertility clinics have seen a boom in UK customers
but the HFEA says women could put themselves at risk by going abroad for
treatment.
Dame Suzi Leather, chairman of the HFEA, said, "We know
that a relatively small number of people choose to travel abroad to undergo
fertility treatment and that sometimes the treatment is packaged as a
'holiday' where the patient can convalesce in the sun.
"However, we are concerned that people who choose to have
their treatment abroad should know about the potential risks.
"We have heard of some clinics which offer treatment to
patients that is so dangerous that it has been banned in the UK - for
example implanting five embryos which significantly raises the chance
of multiple pregnancy - the biggest risk of IVF for both mothers and babies.
"It is very sad when we receive complaints from patients
about their treatment abroad and we are not able to help or reassure them.
"We would urge patients to think twice and consider the
risks and implications before going abroad for treatment."
The HFEA added it did not have any figures about the number of people
heading abroad, but said patient groups had been warning people were becoming
attracted to foreign markets.
Clare Brown, chief executive of patient support group Infertility Network
UK, said she shared the HFEA's concerns about fertility tourism.
"There is no doubt that the care and treatment in UK centres is of the
highest standards and that these standards may not apply in some foreign
clinics.
"However, some patients are being forced to travel overseas as they are
unable to access the treatment they need in this country.
She added patients would not travel abroad for treatment if they could
access it in the UK, but there were "unacceptably long waiting lists"
in some areas and some preferred to have treatment from anonymous donors.
But British Fertility Society secretary Dr Allan Pacey, of the University
of Sheffield, said while couples should give 'due consideration' to safety
when going abroad for treatment, the vast majority of clinics, particularly
in Europe, have as good a standard of care as the UK.
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