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BFS Statement on Fertility, Obesity and Social Values
The British Fertility Society is concerned that press coverage
of the Society's statement on NHS funding of assisted conception
has given the impression that the Society wishes to restrict access
of obese patients to fertility treatment.
The Society was surprised that the press gave this emphasis to our statement.
In fact, we are suggesting that, subject to safety considerations, fertility
treatment should be made available to all patients with a BMI of up to 36.
Patients who have a BMI of more than 36 would not normally be treated in a
fertility clinic anyway, because of safety concerns. In reality, our proposals
should lead to an increase in the number of obese patients treated.
The BFS statement on social
criteria for NHS funding of fertility treatment covers
11 points, only one of which relates to obesity. This is a general statement
of the social values which the Society would like to see applied, to enable
more equitable access to NHS fertility treatment. The BFS has a stated aim
to ensure that greater access to fertility treatment is available through the
National Health Service.
A more comprehensive background statement can be found at: http://www.fertility.org.uk/news/documents/NICEImplementationfollowup.pdf
Note that Obesity is normally defined as having a BMI of >30.
For more information: please contact the British Fertility Society press office
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