Egg sharing: an NHS consultant's view

Fertility services in the UK National Health Service are underfunded and subject to considerable regional variation despite the publication of national evidenced-based guidelines commissioned by the Department of Health. Competition for funding within the NHS makes it unlikely that fertility will ever be fully funded. Novel and imaginative solutions are sought, of which some have already been rejected. Egg sharing could provide a means of increasing the availability of complex assisted conception techniques to a greater number of subfertile couples, who would otherwise be excluded. On the other hand, it would be understandable but unfortunate if healthcare providers view the success of egg sharing as an opportunity to shift the already limited funds to other competing specialties. Egg sharing is readily accepted by many UK couples and provides a dignified solution to two separate clinical problems, without reducing the donor's chances of conceiving or involving complex financial negotiations. Many couples are also comforted by the thought that even if their treatment is ultimately unsuccessful others have also been given a chance.