Overview
- Ben Smith, 29, who froze sperm before chemotherapy for testicular cancer, was told his partner could not have NHS-funded IVF due to his BMI.
- His BMI was recorded at 34, above the local threshold of under 30 used by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex for IVF funding eligibility.
- The couple have appealed through PALS and to the Integrated Care Board and say they have not yet received a decision.
- An ICB spokesperson said IVF criteria are being reviewed for consistency across the East of England and indicated updates are expected soon.
- A public petition calling for BMI to be removed from IVF rules for cancer survivors has surpassed 22,000 signatures, while experts have criticised BMI as a blunt health measure.