Maintenance of fertility services through Level 5 vital – Richmond

Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has welcomed the fact that fertility services will run throughout the duration of Level 5, stressing it is vital that these services remain available.

Deputy Richmond said: “This is European Fertility Week 2020 and it is important to highlight the fact that fertility clinics are still running throughout Ireland. For so many people, fertility treatment is time sensitive and so it is crucial that these services remain accessible during any round of restrictions we may encounter.

“While my wife and I were lucky to be blessed with two children of our own, I know many who have not been so lucky. My office has received correspondence from so many prospective parents worried that this latest round of COVID restrictions will rob them of their last chance to have children. This is because fertility services were largely suspended during the first round of Covid-19 restrictions in March, to the detriment of so many people throughout the country.

“While it is regrettable that Ireland had to move to Level 5, it is important to stress that our health system is still running throughout these restrictions and fertility services are no exception to this.

“Everyone deserves the chance to have a family if this is their choice, and these restrictions should not impair this process.

“The Government is committed to helping those who are having trouble with infertility. As confirmed to me through a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health, infertility will be addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of intervention necessary.

“A three-stage system will be introduced, beginning with primary care in GPs, moving into Regional Fertility Hubs and extending to IVF and other treatments if necessary.

“Infertility affects more than 25 million citizens of Europe and these services should be both affordable and easily accessible to all who require them.

“The Minister confirmed to me that this new model of care for fertility will be rolled out on a phased basis over the coming years, however given that reproductive health is just as important as physical health, this must be a priority of the Minister for Health and the HSE as we move into 2021.”