By Stephen Adams And Roger Dobson For The Mail On Sunday
Published: 00:25 BST, 9 June 2019 | Updated: 00:50 BST, 9 June 2019
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One in nine multiple-birth babies conceived at foreign IVF clinics dies shortly after birth, according to a shocking report by NHS doctors.
Hundreds of British couples travel to fertility clinics overseas every year, lured by lower prices.
Some older women go because UK clinics, NHS or private, will not treat them.
Emma Jones had six miscarriages before going to her GP, who told her she could have only one free IVF cycle because she was 41
But research by NHS medics – who frequently end up dealing with the consequences – suggests they might be taking a serious risk.
They found 11 per cent of twins, triplets or quadruplets conceived at IVF clinics abroad ended up dying within a month of being born at a specialist NHS maternity hospital.
By comparison, no multiple-birth babies conceived at British IVF clinics ended up dying after birth.
The research was based on data about babies being treated at the foetal medicine centre at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Maternity Hospital in West London.
The study found care of twin, triplet and quadruplet babies conceived at clinics abroad each cost the NHS £20,600 – two and a half times the average of a multiple-birth baby conceived at a UK centre
The study found care of twin, triplet and quadruplet babies conceived at clinics abroad each cost the NHS £20,600 – two and a half times the average of a multiple-birth baby conceived at a UK centre.
The NHS doctors believe the huge gap in death rates and costs is due to foreign clinics taking more risks in the IVF process. Such clinics are far more likely to implant lots of embryos, hoping the couple end up with at least one baby. Some will also treat much older women.
A fertility expert has called for women aged over 40 to receive the same
