Courtney Reen and Josh Grant have been denied NHS-funded IVF treatment more than three times because Courtney's BMI is too low, ruling her ineligible under local eligibility criteria. The couple, from Sutton-on-Hull, have been trying to conceive for seven years and say they are devastated.
Couple's Struggle with NHS Fertility Criteria
Courtney, 27, has a BMI of 16, based on her weight of 42.4kg and height of 163cm. The Hull Clinical Commissioning Group's policy requires a female patient's BMI to be between 19 and 30 before referral to specialist services. Despite consulting two dieticians and attempting to gain weight, her BMI has not increased.
Courtney said: "Me and Josh want this more than anything. We wanted it to happen before I turned 30. The process started seven years ago, that's when we first went to the doctors. It's so heartbreaking."
Medical Opinions and Appeals
Courtney's consultant has argued on her behalf to the board, but each time the decision was declined due to her BMI. Three GPs have written letters stating they believe her low weight is genetic and that she is healthy. Courtney said: "All the fertility clinicians think we'll have success. My periods are regular, my body is ready, my body is healthy."
She added: "I understand them declining it the first time, when they'd not looked into why I was so slim. That's why I then argued my case and asked for a second opinion from a dietician. The second time, I was a little bit shocked because the dietician wrote a letter. The third time I was more heartbroken. It's somebody behind a computer screen that's declining me."
GoFundMe Campaign for Private Treatment
The couple have launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for private IVF treatment, which Courtney estimates could cost around £12,000 if successful on the first attempt. They are also saving every penny they earn into a dedicated account. Courtney said: "We are just trying our hardest for something that we've wanted for so long. We are full time workers, we have our own house. We are ready for a family."
NHS Statement on BMI and Fertility Treatment
A spokesperson for NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: "We understand that this can be a very sensitive and distressing issue for people who are hoping to start a family. Across the NHS, access to fertility treatment is guided in part by clinical evidence and national recommendations, including those from NICE. These recognise that a person's BMI can have a significant impact on both the safety and effectiveness of fertility treatment, as well as pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and baby."
The spokesperson added: "For this reason, many local NHS policies include a recommended BMI range within which treatment is considered safest and most effective. Where someone's BMI falls outside of this range, they are usually offered advice and support, such as referral to appropriate clinical services, to help improve their overall health prior to treatment."
