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LONDON, Aug 30, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The British Fertility Society has called for a ban on fertility treatments for women with a body mass index of 36 or more.
The society has recommended that the National Health Service adopt regulations that would also require women who are underweight or obese, defined as BMI of 29 or more, to address their weight issues before being given access to fertility treatment, the BBC reported Wednesday.
"The NHS is already stopping women who are obese from having fertility treatment," said Richard Kennedy, of the British Fertility Society.
"What we are saying is that they should be less stringent and more consistent with how they apply this.
"Obese women are less likely to get pregnant and more likely to encounter health problems. It makes sense to address obesity before seeking fertility treatment."
The British Fertility Society also recommended that smokers be barred from receiving fertility treatment and that same-sex couples and single women be given equal priority to married couples.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
