A couple from Holmewood say they have spent about £50,000 on fertility treatment and surrogacy while trying to start a family after the woman was diagnosed with a rare congenital condition that means she cannot carry a pregnancy.
Diagnosis, treatment and the financial toll
The woman, diagnosed with Mayer‑Rokitansky‑Küster‑Hauser (MRKH) syndrome at 15, retains functioning ovaries and can produce eggs but was born without a uterus. The condition is estimated to affect roughly one in 5,000 people.
"Finding out I had MRKH was soul‑destroying. It broke me. I felt like my heart had been ripped out,"
The couple told Derbyshire Live that they have invested every spare penny into fertility treatment, which the report says has included medication for IVF, egg collections, embryo creation and freezing, surrogacy agency fees, surrogate medications, embryo transfers and legal costs connected to surrogacy.
- They have created embryos on two occasions.
- They experienced an unsuccessful embryo transfer.
- They say they previously lost a baby with a surrogate.
- They report total costs of around £50,000 to date.
Eligibility for NHS support and local implications
The couple say they did not qualify for the usual one NHS‑funded round of IVF that many couples receive, owing to their particular circumstances. The case touches on an ongoing debate about equitable access to fertility services and the limits of NHS funding where surrogacy is required.
For local residents, the story highlights two practical issues: the scarcity of comprehensive NHS provision for those who cannot carry pregnancies, and the high out‑of‑pocket costs associated with private fertility treatment and surrogacy arrangements.
What the reported costs cover
The couple outlined a range of expenses that have contributed to the overall figure. While exact itemised amounts were not provided, the components listed in the report include:
| Type of cost | Examples |
|---|---|
| Clinical treatment | IVF medications, egg collection, embryo creation and freezing, embryo transfers |
| Surrogacy | Agency fees, surrogate medication and support |
| Legal and administrative | Legal expenses related to surrogacy and parental orders |
Personal impact and next steps
The couple remain committed to becoming parents and are continuing with fertility treatment, aiming to create further embryos and proceed with surrogacy arrangements. They are engaged and planning a wedding, having been in a relationship since they were students at Chesterfield College.
Local NHS commissioning policies on fertility care can vary and often specify eligibility criteria for funded IVF. For residents seeking support or information, local NHS websites and fertility clinics can provide guidance on eligibility, costs and the legal framework around surrogacy.
This report is based on the couple’s account to Derbyshire Live and details supplied in that coverage. It reflects the financial and emotional burden experienced by some families for whom NHS‑funded treatment is not available because of the need for surrogacy.
