NHS Greater Manchester has agreed to standardise the number of NHS-funded IVF cycles offered across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
From 1st April 2026, eligible women aged 39 and under will be offered:
- One full cycle of IVF
- A second attempt only if the first cycle is cancelled or abandoned
This change replaces the current system, where people are offered between one and three IVF cycles depending on where they live.
IVF consultation
The decision follows a six-week public consultation held in June and July 2025. More than 2,200 people took part, including people with direct experience of IVF, local residents and health partners.
Many respondents supported having the same policy across Greater Manchester. However, most people said they would prefer two or more IVF cycles. People also shared concerns about the emotional impact of infertility and IVF, the cost of treatment, and how changes could affect some groups more than others.
NHS Greater Manchester said it recognises that fertility treatment is deeply personal and that the decision will be upsetting and disappointing for some people. The views, experiences and personal stories shared during the consultation were carefully considered by the NHS Greater Manchester Board, alongside clinical evidence and the resources available across Greater Manchester, before making its decision.
Katherine Sheerin, Chief Commissioning Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said:
“We know that fertility treatment is deeply personal, and that this decision will be upsetting and disappointing for some people. We heard very clearly through the consultation how emotionally challenging infertility and IVF can be, and we want to acknowledge the strength of feeling and the personal stories shared with us.
“Access to NHS-funded IVF currently depends on where someone lives, and that variation is unfair and cannot continue. Moving to a single policy removes this postcode variation and brings Greater Manchester broadly in line with most areas across England.”
To ensure fairness, the new policy will only apply to people referred to an IVF clinic on or after 1st April 2026. Anyone already referred before this date will continue their treatment under the current policy.
NHS Greater Manchester will work closely with IVF clinics to make sure people receive clear information, advice and support as the new policy is introduced.
More information about the decision and the consultation is available in the NHS Greater Manchester Board papers.
You can read the full paper which went to NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board on 21st January here, from pg. 133.
