An investigation has been launched into the number of people going abroad for IVF treatment and coming back pregnant with twins or triplets.
Doctors fear that hundreds of women are returning to Britain with multiple pregnancies after getting treatment abroad, putting pressure on the NHS. Twin or triplet pregnancies are more expensive due to the need for additional scans and longer hospital stays. According to the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority, multiple births carry the greatest health risk in fertility treatment. More than 90% of triplets have low birth weights, putting them at risk of health problems.
The number of multiple births fell in the UK after 2008 when it was decided that only a single embryo would be implanted at a time to reduce risky pregnancies. But foreign clinics do not always have the same rules and guidelines in place.
The trend of people going abroad treatment comes as the NHS rations IVF to reduce costs, a move that’s been condemned by critics. It’s believed a growing number of people go to countries such as Spain for fertility treatments because they are cheaper and the waiting list for donated eggs is shorter.
Share your stories
We want to hear from people who have gone abroad for fertility treatments. Why did you go? Have you come back and are due to have twins or triplets? What do you think of the UK IVF industry? Is it too expensive? We also want to hear from those treating patients, tell us about your experiences as someone who works in the industry. Share your views and thoughts.
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