91Èȱ¬

There were claims on the show today that couples are being let down when it comes to IVF treatment. In Gloucestershire couples are only offered one course on the NHS.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence says couples should be offered three courses of IVF for free. We are featuring a couple who had to pay for two extra courses. Luckily for them they are now expecting their first child.

We had a mixed response to this issue. Many were sympathetic to those who struggle to conceive.

However, Peter in Dursley said money should be spent on making people well and not on making babies... we shouldn't waste money in an already over populated world. Ted from Hucclecote questioned if thousands of pounds should be spent on IVF when people need cancer treatment.

NHS Gloucestershire couldn't put anyone up for interview but did say it's currently reviewing its existing policy.

Have you been through the process of IVF? Is it a postcode lottery? Should we have three courses of treatment for free as in some other parts of the country?

Email me your thoughts and we'll feature your responses on the show.

Update Tuesday morning (13th April).

We've had some fascinating and thoughtful emails to the blog.

"F" wrote "Those of us who decide to get on the IVF rollercoaster do not expect miracles. Just to be given the same chance at success as those living in other areas of the country". Her treatment was successful but unfortunately she miscarried.

"S" was touched by the above comment and felt great sympathy. "I was probably feeling fairly ambivalent about this subject. This has made me look at the subject from a different perspective. Those of us that have been lucky enough to conceive naturally should make sure we do not become smug and self centred. A very thought provoking subject, thank you."

"J" is currently going through IVF which has been pretty harrowing. She will now have to pay £5,000 for a second cycle. "What people do not seem to understand is that being infertile is a disease and should be treated that way".

" What annoys me is up until now I have never had an operation on the NHS... never smoked... never done drugs... I exercise and eat healthily... why should I not get the right to have free treatments? "

Update Wednesday morning (14th April)

"E" wrote. " We have funded three cycles ourselves at £5k a time. If only people knew the heartache a couple go through. I feel so bitter when people say IVF should not be funded... in its own right everyone deserves a chance of becoming a parent"

"D" wrote. " Your programme this week has not only underlined the joy of parenthood, but also the need to support those who for whatever reason cannot have children. Well done!"