Debate contribution: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 22 June 2026.

MLA: Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 22 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5638529

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion today and thank Fairness (IN) Fertility for joining us in the Gallery. Behind every statistic on fertility treatment is a person, a couple and a family who have often endured years and years of heartbreak, uncertainty and disappointment before ever setting foot in a clinic. In preparing for the debate, I met people who have gone through IVF and listened to their experiences. Some of what they told me was deeply moving, while some of it was deeply concerning. One couple told me that they had done everything that they were asked to do. They went down the NHS route first, but it did not work. After a lengthy process, they were left with just one embryo. Eventually, they made the decision to go private, despite the cost, because they felt that they had run out of options. They told me that if they had not been in the position to pay privately, they would not have the child whom they have today. That should give us all pause for thought. The reality is that many people are simply being priced out of parenthood. The cost of treatment is only part of the story. There are also travel costs, the need for time off work, repeated appointments and medication, as well as the emotional strain that comes with trying to fit treatment around everyday life. One person described trying to integrate IVF treatment with every other aspect of their life as constantly juggling. Another told me that it can be an incredibly isolating experience, yet, despite that reality, workplace support remains inconsistent. Some people are entitled to only a couple of days' leave for IVF treatment, while others have no formal support at all. We rightly talk about supporting working families.
Absolutely, and many have said it in here. The emotional —
— and psychological impact of infertility and fertility treatment also deserves greater recognition. A lot of couples have to go to counselling after their experiences, and that too is very emotionally draining. The people whom I met spoke about their anxiety, stress and trauma. One individual described how a mental health assessment failed to take a trauma-informed approach and thus had a significant impact on them during an already difficult process. The process puts a strain on couples and their relationship, and we cannot separate fertility treatment from mental health because they are intrinsically linked. The stark difference between NHS and private provision was repeatedly raised with me, and people mentioned outdated equipment, long waiting lists and a lack of transparency about the treatment options. I look forward to the Minister addressing some of those concerns in his remarks. Why are there such significant differences in the technology and standards between NHS provision and the private clinics? Nobody should feel that their chances of success depend on whether they can afford private treatment. People should not be left to navigate a fragmented system, where the information is not properly shared between providers, and there is little support for those transitioning from NHS treatment to private clinics.
Those who shared their experiences with me showed enormous courage. I ask Members to support the motion today. However, more importantly, we need action, Minister.

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

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