Doctors, embryologists, nurses, other clinical staff, patient groups and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) have come together to launch a new national strategy to reduce the number of multiple pregnancies – the single biggest health risk of fertility treatment.

Focusing initially on IVF, the strategy will aim to reduce the rate of multiple births from the national average of 24 per cent of all IVF births to 10 per cent over three years. In the first year (from January 2009), all clinics will be expected not to exceed the 24 per cent maximum.

Launched 27th June 2008 in support of the strategy are:

• a jointly agreed mission statement,
• the One at a Time website containing authoritative information for professionals and patients, and
• a series of regional workshops for health professionals over the next few months.

Press release and Mission Statement are attached below.