UK may allow IVF for older women, same-sex couples

LONDON (AP) ? Britain's health advisory agency says the government should extend free fertility treatment to women up to age 42 and same-sex couples, according to draft guidelines.

The U.K. health system generally pays for up to three cycles of in-vitro fertilization, or IVF, for couples who have been trying to get pregnant for at least three years. Previously, women had to be under age 40 to qualify. Many government-funded clinics already treat gay and lesbian couples, but the recommendations now make that explicit, though they are not binding.

The draft guidelines issued Tuesday also say the government should pay for IVF in people with diseases like HIV who request it or patients facing cancer treatment, who want to preserve their fertility. About one in four IVF cycles results in a baby.

Associated Press

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