The British Fertility Society is issuing new guidelines recommending that the NHS covers the self-preservation of eggs of transgender individuals prior to transition[1], “so that they can be parents”. Wales and Scotland are already implementing these recommendations, which are now directed at England.
For British Fertility Society experts, this is a medical issue because the fertility of these individuals is altered by hormone therapy and surgery available on the NHS. It is also considered an equality issue since the NHS supports the preservation of fertility for cancer patients.
Critics have commented that the NHS should spend money on “basic health care” instead, and “not fall into the innovation trap”[2].
[1] Egg retrieval costs approximately £3,000. The annual fee for storing the eggs is £300.
[2] A commitment that has already sparked reactions: Financing the preservation of gametes harvested from transgender adolescents: NHS in the spotlight.
The Telegraph, Sarah Knapton (4/01/2018)