22 June 2026

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said the Executive must live up to its commitment to fund three cycles of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

He was speaking ahead of the SDLP’s Opposition Day motion on Monday.

Mr Durkan pointed to the New Decade, New Approach commitment to expand the treatment offered to families, which is yet to be enacted.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said:

“For many years I have been working with families struggling to access IVF treatment. As it stands, individuals and couples here are only entitled to two rounds of IVF on the NHS, lagging behind Scotland and Wales and creating a situation where those who can afford to pay for further treatment have a clear advantage.

“Going through IVF is a difficult and emotional process that can take a huge toll on those involved. I have been fortunate to meet many families who have successfully had children through IVF and seen first-hand the joy it has brought them. For those who are not so lucky, it can leave a lasting impact and it is wrong that anyone should be left feeling they were not given every possible opportunity to have a child of their own.

“More than six years ago, Executive parties committed to providing three cycles of IVF treatment for patients in the North. I campaigned for that change long before it was included in New Decade, New Approach, yet families are still waiting. We know there are significant pressures on our health service, but time and again the Executive uses those pressures as an excuse not to deliver on commitments it has already made.

“Everyone deserves the same opportunity to build a family. The SDLP Opposition will today urge the Executive to honour its promise, fully fund three cycles of IVF treatment and finally give families the support they have been waiting for.”