The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) published its Family Formations in Fertility Treatment Report today. The Report was an analysis of data from 2022.
One of the headlines from the Report was in the increase in the number of single women accessing fertility treatment (either donor insemination or IVF). The number of women choosing to pursue sole motherhood increased from 1400 in 2011 to 4800 in 2022.
PET Director Sarah Norcross told the Times:
'One possible reason for this sharp increase is restrictions on socialising during the Covid pandemic. Some women may have taken time during this period to reflect on their fertile window, and decided to become single mothers by choice.
'These women may have found it preferable to take their future into their own hands, rather than wait for a partner who may or may not come along. Such decisions often involve a lot of careful thought, and support from friends and families.
'Another way to understand these figures is in the context of a broader trend, whereby both natural reproduction and assisted reproduction are less likely to take place within a traditional family structure than might have been the case in the past.'
The HFEA's data also revealed that only 18 percent of single patients had NHS funding for their first IVF treatment compared to 52 percent of opposite-sex couples aged 18-39.
This lack of funding for IVF did not surprise to the PET team who monitor local Integrated Care Boards' policies in relation to single women, same sex couples and opposite sex couples to keep the Fertility Policy Tracker up to date.
Sarah also spoke about these issues on Times Radio Breakfast with Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell.
In Scotland the government is considering providing donor insemination and IVF for single women. This was discussed at a PET event in January Fertility Treatment for Single People – Who Should Pay?. If you missed the event you can listen to the podcast.
