Changes to IVF support in Greater Manchester
Tabled 13 April 2026 by Tom Morrison
That this House is deeply disappointed by the decision to standardise NHS Funded Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) to a 1+ cycle across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester when evidence shows that success rates increase over multiple cycles; notes with concern that this decision will remove a realistic chance of pregnancy for thousands of people across the region; further notes that Salford, Tameside, Wigan and Stockport authorities will reduce from two or three cycles to just one; acknowledges the serious stress, upset and grief that this decision will cause prospective parents; recognises with alarm that this decision will increase the economic barriers to having children, creating a two tier system based on income; also notes that the public consultation on this change found strong opposition to the decision to reduce all 10 boroughs to a 1+ cycle; notes that 74% of respondents either completely disagreed or disagreed with the proposal of a 1+ cycle offer; is alarmed that Greater Manchester NHS has ignored both NICE Guidance and public opinion; celebrates that the first ‘test tube baby’ Louise Brown was born in Oldham in Greater Manchester in 1978 and that approximately 1 child in every classroom is born via IVF; and calls on the Government to urgently review NHS Greater Manchester's decision.