A new project has been launched (7.2.20) by the Competition and Markets authority (CMA) to develop guidance for IVF clinics in the UK to make sure they treat their patients fairly. 

The CMA is an independent non ministerial department. One of their roles is to enforce consumer protection legislation to tackle practices and market conditions that make it difficult for consumers to exercise choice. The CMA works with many sector regulators with the aim to protect public interest.

The CMA has concerns about the potential mis-selling of services such as IVF ‘add-on’ treatments, and the mis-representation of clinics’ success rates. The HFEA are working closely with the CMA to help them to understand patients’ experiences and learn more about how clinics operate.

HFEA are also working closely with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) who will be engaged in this work to learn more about the sector. They are interested in the way success rates are presented and how information is displayed via clinic websites and/or adverts.

To help the CMA develop their guidance they will consult with people and groups with an interest in the fertility sector over the coming months. BICA encourage people to get in touch with the CMA to contribute your views to help with the development of the guidance. 

A shorter consumer facing document to educate consumers on their rights when purchasing IVF treatment will be also be published by the CMA at the same time as the final advice for clinics towards Autumn 2020.

All information relating to this review can be found on the dedicated web page.Self funded IVF: Consumer Law Guidance