NHS Tayside’s decision to withhold fertility treatment was ‘reasonable’

A man who claimed he and his partner were wrongly turned down for fertility treatment by NHS Tayside has been told health chiefs were “reasonable” in their decision.

The un-named couple had sought in vitro fertilisation, which is available from Ninewells Hospital, but were told they were not eligible because her child from a previous relationship lives with them.

They complained to the Scottish public services ombudsman, whose findings have been released.

Its report said the man felt the policy was unreasonable and discriminated against men who had no biological children.

The ombudsman said: “We explained that it was not for us to determine whether the board’s policy was discriminatory but we would consider whether their actions were reasonable.

“We found their decision was reasonable in light of the framework for infertility services and they had acted in line with legislation and guidance.

“We did find the board delayed in responding to the complaint and their responses should have provided a clearer explanation about the framework for infertility services from the outset.”