An online petition has been launched in a bid to end what is claimed to be the postcode lottery for Shropshire residents seeking fertility treatment funding.

It has been started by Janine Macallister, of Newport, who says she is being denied treatment under the current funding policy of NHS Telford & Wrekin because her husband already has children from a previous relationship.

Many women have rallied to support Mrs Macallister, 27, after the Shropshire Star reported her claim last week.

She said today: “I would like thank to all those who have supported me and hope many more will sign the petition.

“I would also like to encourage other people in Shropshire who are in the same position as me to stand up for their rights so that we can bring about change.”

The petition refers to the fertility treatment guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Mrs Macallister says many primary care trusts do not adhere to them.

“It seems that funding for IVF is not given on the basis of fairness, but on where you live,” she says.

“This discrimination is unacceptable, as National Health Insurance is not dependent on where you live, so why should healthcare be?”

NHS Telford & Wrekin has said that it was unable to to comment on individual cases but that the policy is currently under review.

To see the petition click here

By Dave Morris