Egg sharing : Successful pregnancies in world-first scheme in Newcastle
Seven couples receiving reduced cost IVF in a world-first scheme in Newcastle are expecting babies.
They are among the first to receive reduced price IVF treatment at Newcastle's Fertility Centre at Life in return for donating some eggs for research.
They came forward after the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) received final approval and funding for the scheme known as egg sharing for research.
Under the scheme, women receive about half of the cost of their IVF treatment, £1500, in return for the donation of half their eggs.
One hundred women came forward after the scheme was launched in Newcastle in September last year and, after testing and counseling, twenty were found to be suitable.
Twelve of those decided to take part in the scheme and seven couples are expecting babies in the autumn, including one set of twins.
Scientists at the North East England Stem Cell Institute believe the scheme will lead to an increase in the number of eggs for research which could lead to faster progress in stem cell therapies. The project continues for another year with opportunities for more women to take part.
Professor Alison Murdoch who is leading the project at the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI), says: "We’re delighted that this scheme has enabled so many couples to have a family from IVF treatment.
We find that couples coming forward are really considering what it means and whether it’s the right option for them. Their choice to take part in the egg sharing scheme means that important research is able to progress and we hope these successes will encourage other people to come forward.”
People interested in finding out more about the egg sharing scheme should call 0191 282 5000 and leave a name, address and number or you can download more information and a form
Case study, Debbie and James from Newcastle
Debbie and James from Newcastle are on cloud nine. The couple are expecting twins in the autumn and they can’t believe it’s finally happening.
“We’re both so excited,” says Debbie. “It’s not been easy but now we can finally look forward to a family of our own.”
The couple had been trying for a number of years for a baby but when nothing happened they consulted their GP and he referred them to the Newcastle Fertility Centre. The couple saved up and even borrowed from their families to pay the £3,000 for a single course of IVF at Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life.
“We were devastated when it didn’t work even though we had been prepared by staff at the clinic,” said James. “We had already pushed ourselves financially and we knew we would have to wait and save before we could try again.”
It was then that James’ mum saw a news story about the egg sharing scheme being offered at the Newcastle Fertility Centre. James explains: “Even with this option we knew it would still mean re-mortgaging our home but the egg sharing scheme offered us a chance because the treatment was half price.”
“The team at the Newcastle Fertility Clinic spent a long time explaining what egg sharing involved and answering all our questions. We never felt pressurised into a decision. In the end we felt this was the right way forward for us and were told we were suitable candidates for the scheme.”
This second attempt at IVF was a success for the couple and they are expecting twins in four months time.
“There has been cancer in both of our families and the fact that this research could help people like us was a big part in helping us make our decision,” says James. “The care we received has been excellent and now we just can’t wait for the twins to arrive.”
All the women had their IVF treatment at the Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life, an NHS funded unit based at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle.
About NESCI: The North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) draws together Durham and Newcastle Universities, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other partners in a unique interdisciplinary collaboration to convert stem cell research and technologies into cost-effective, ethically-robust 21st century health solutions to ameliorate degenerative diseases, the effects of ageing and serious injury. The Institute has received substantial funding and other support from the Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast and is partly based at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle.
