IVF clinics told to cut down on twins or face sanctions
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IVF clinics could have multiple birth rates capped under plans to cut the number of twins born as a result of fertility treatment.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said it was considering sanctions for clinics that produce too many multiple births which can put the lives of mothers and babies at risk.
A 10 per cent cap on the rate of twins, from the total number of live births each year, could be introduced for UK clinics.
The HFEA document, which is open to a three-month consultation, proposes the use of “single embryo transfers”, where one embryo is transferred per IVF cycle. At present, doctors have more of a free rein over the numbers transferred but women are not usually given more than two embryos per cycle.
By imposing a maximum twin rate, the document acknowledges that a “target driven” culture may emerge.
Patients may be refused treatment or offered treatments that are target-driven, it said. One concern is that a clinic may reach its 10 per cent rate halfway through the year, leading to women who could benefit from two embryos being transferred being denied treatment or having to “shop around” for a clinic that has not reached its maximum rate.
Dr Evan Harris, the Liberal Democrat’s science spokesman said: “Although it is felt success rates can be maintained even after restricting the number of embryo transfers, some specialists believe such restrictions will reduce the chance of pregnancy for some women.
“Moving to single embryo transfer will prevent a number of multiple births - however, it will mean many women will now need extra cycles of NHS IVF in order to get pregnant.”
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