Concerns raised over patients being ‘mis-sold’ IVF treatments
Concerns would-be parents are also being misled over chances of conceiving
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Your support makes all the difference.Concerns have been raised that would-be parents are being mis-sold expensive IVF treatments – or even misled over their chances of conceiving.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said it will be developing new guidance for IVF clinics to ensure that patients are treated fairly and are given all the information needed to make an informed choice about their treatments.
The CMA said it was concerned about possible cases of people being mis-sold optional “add-on” treatments, which in some clinics can cost up to £2,500 per cycle, as well as misrepresentation of success rates.
The guidance will cover issues ranging from the need for clinics to be upfront about the price and success rates of their treatments to having fair and transparent terms and conditions.
Advice for patients will also be published to help them through what can be a “stressful and emotional” experience and allow them to make a decision in “challenging” circumstances, the CMA said.
A public consultation will be held later this year to allow people to get in touch and share their experiences.
There is currently no written guidance on consumer protection law for the IVF sector.
The CMA warned it could take action if it finds evidence that clinics have been misleading or unfair.
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