Debate contribution: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality

Debate contribution by Mr Alan Chambers on 22 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Alan Chambers
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 22 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5638513

Text

For many, the ability to start or grow a family is a major priority; for others, it is not a priority at all. When fertility problems stand in the way of that dream, the emotional toll can be immense. There has already been reference to the commitment in NDNA, which was one reason why my party very much welcomed that agreement. However, six years on, people are entirely justified in asking what progress has been made. Thankfully, there has been some. In 2024, publicly funded provision was expanded to provide eligible women with one full cycle of IVF treatment through the use of additional frozen embryo transfers. That was not a headline-grabbing announcement, but it represented a meaningful improvement for many families and was delivered despite the considerable financial and operational pressures facing our health service. In addition, waiting times have been dramatically reduced from the levels experienced during and after the pandemic. Patients now wait for around one month to commence IVF treatment once placed on the treatment list, compared with waits that stretched to well over a year previously. At the same time, I recognise that many people will look at other parts of these islands, such as Scotland and Wales, and ask why Northern Ireland has not yet reached the same number of funded cycles. When I have engaged on the matter, the Minister has made it clear that work continues on the feasibility of introducing a second cycle of treatment. It is still a case of "When", not "If". I welcome that work and encourage it to continue at pace, but I recognise not just the financial challenges but the logistical challenges of delivering it. I note that the motion:
"calls on the Minister of Health to secure the necessary funding"
to allow for
"three cycles of treatment by the end of 2022-27 Assembly mandate.".
That would be a good outcome and very welcome, but, given the failure of the Executive to agree a Budget and the well-known financial pressures being experienced by the Department of Health, can it be achieved without dropping or reducing some other services? I am sure that the Minister will address that point. Ultimately, fertility treatment should not be viewed as a luxury or an optional extra. For many families, it represents hope and the chance to realise deeply held aspirations. While significant challenges remain, it is right to acknowledge the progress that has been achieved in supporting the ongoing work to expand provision further and to continue pressing for solutions that are affordable, sustainable and fair to all who rely on such services.

433 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification