The Scottish government is reviewing whether NHS fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), should be extended to single women and couples who already have children from previous relationships. Health Secretary Angela Constance stated that access to care should evolve to reflect modern family structures. The review’s findings are expected next summer.
The Two-Year Stability Requirement
Current guidelines largely restrict NHS-funded IVF in Scotland to couples who have lived in a stable relationship for at least two years. While couples where one partner has a child may qualify, individuals are barred from treatment if both partners already have children from previous relationships.
Medical hurdles further tighten the gate. Patients must maintain a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30, be non-smokers, and abstain from alcohol and drugs during treatment. Additionally, the female partner must be under 42 years of age.
Funding Gaps for Single Applicants
Scotland stands alone in the UK as the only nation where NHS-funded cycles outpace private ones. Yet, the data reveals a stark divide for those applying alone.
According to 2024 figures from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), Scotland recorded more than 6,000 total IVF cycles across approximately 4,000 patients. Of the 330 total cycles performed for single women that year, only 50 received NHS funding. In contrast, same-sex female couples underwent 625 cycles, with over one-third funded by the state.
The Cost of Solo Parenthood
For some, the current policy creates a financial cliff. Maeve MacKinnon, a Glasgow resident, found herself removed from NHS waiting lists after splitting from her male partner while at the top of the queue. To have her four-year-old daughter, Màili, MacKinnon paid over £7,000 for private treatment.
MacKinnon described the policy as discriminatory against solo parents, arguing that family structures take many forms and single parenthood should not be a barrier to care.
Debating the Two-Parent Model
The review arrives amid pressure from advocacy groups. Katie Rowlings of Fertility Action called the evaluation an essential step. Rowlings stated there is no evidence that a two-parent household dictates a child’s well-being compared to a single-parent environment.
Rowlings emphasized that child development depends primarily on whether a child is loved, safe, and supported within stable relationships.
UK Regional Disparities
The Scottish review underscores a fragmented landscape across the United Kingdom. In England, single women can access NHS-funded IVF, though eligibility fluctuates based on the policies of local health trusts. The Scottish government now seeks to determine if its own funding models must adapt to contemporary societal standards.
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