Fertility treatments suspended due to Covid-19 pandemic

The British Fertility Society (BFS) and the Association of Reproductive Clinical Scientists (ARCS) have issued guidance to UK fertility clinics in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The guidance says that ‘it is expected that UK licensed fertility centres will now be working to suspend treatments’. This is in line with guidance which has been issued by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), which advises fertility patients to ‘avoid becoming pregnant at this time’.

The guidance takes into account the fact that clinics need to be mindful of the Government rules regarding social distancing, the mounting pressure which the NHS is under, and the current lack of evidence regarding the impact of Covid-19 on pregnancy.

This news will be devastating to patients, who will hugely disappointed to have their treatment interrupted for an unknown period of time.

Clinics are now putting new treatments on hold, and are starting the process of suspending ongoing treatments. Some patients who are currently midway through a treatment cycle may have the chance to complete their treatment, although this will be determined by their individual clinic.

We understand the huge emotional, physical and financial toll that preparing for and starting fertility treatment involves, and know that this news will come as a bitter blow to fertility patients across the country.

For further information on the guidance, please click here and here.

Suzi Denton is an Associate Solicitor in our Fertility team,if you would like to speak to our expert Fertility Solicitors, please email us at fertility@ellisjones.co.uk or call us on 01202 525333.