Editor—It is interesting that postcode prescribing is due to differences in social values rather than ignorance of the evidence.1 The National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines on infertility endorse the cost effectiveness of in vitro fertilisation, which means that the core problems about providing treatment for infertile couples can now be addressed.2
Most people will use NHS resources to control their reproduction at some time. One in six will need help to conceive, and most will have to fund treatment themselves. Society needs to hear the voices of those who have endured infertility. Let local political accountability be based on the equality of their respect and rights.
Other authors of the original response are Richard Kennedy, Mark Hamilton, Ian Cooke, Neil McClure, Richard Flemming, Umesh Acharya, Elizabeth Lenton, and Gillian Lockwood.
Competing interests: None declared.
References
- 1.Ashcroft RE. In vitro fertilisation for all? BMJ 2003;327: 511-2. (6 September.) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Fertility: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems. London: NICE, 2003. (NICE guideline, second draft for consultation.) (www.nice.org.uk/pdf/Fertility_Fullguideline_2ndconsultation.pdf)