Debate contribution: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality

Debate contribution by Mr Alan Robinson on 22 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Alan Robinson
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 22 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5638519

Text

Like others, I support the motion. For many individuals and couples across Northern Ireland, the dream of becoming parents is accompanied by years of emotional heartbreak. Couples who have undergone that journey will tell you that it is the uncertainty that kills them. For those individuals, IVF is often the only pathway to having a child, yet access beyond the funded pathway depends increasingly on the size of a person's bank account. The cost of a single privately funded IVF cycle can run to several thousand pounds, and some patients require more than one cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy. For some families, that means taking on debt or spending their savings to raise the necessary funds. For many others, it simply means that, beyond the one funded full cycle in Northern Ireland, treatment is out of reach. Couples will tell you that that is not equality of access to healthcare. It will therefore be good to hear from the Minister today on whether options are being explored for at least a second funded cycle. As it stands, IVF here creates a two-tier system in which those with financial means can pursue their hopes of parenthood while others are left with little hope. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended that eligible patients under the age of 40 should be offered three full cycles of IVF treatment.
NICE has consistently maintained that having three cycles provides patients with the best opportunity of achieving a successful pregnancy and represents clinically effective care. That has been part of NICE guidelines since 2013.
Furthermore, NDNA commits the Executive to expanding publicly funded IVF provision in Northern Ireland to three cycles. That commitment was welcomed by patients, healthcare staff and advocacy groups. It was an announcement that was seen as offering a little hope that Northern Ireland would finally move towards the best standards of care that are available across these islands; yet people in Northern Ireland continue to face lower levels of publicly funded IVF provision than is available in other parts of these islands. I have heard from couples who say that their chances of accessing fertility treatment should not depend on which part of the United Kingdom they happen to live in. Members will be aware that fertility declines with age. Delays to accessing treatment can therefore have profound consequences. Every year that passes means that some patients who may otherwise have benefited from treatment lose the opportunity altogether. While I am conscious of the current situation with the Budget, I will support the motion.

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

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