- Conference
- 2006 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 27 October 2005
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that the government recently carried out a comprehensive public consultation on the Human Fertility and Embryology Act.
Matters subject to the review included:
1) access to IVF – at the time of launch of the consultation the government reiterated its view that it considered that it is in the best interests of a child to have a father and a mother and that it is unlikely to change its position or guidance which impacts on access to NHS-funded IVF for lesbians and single women;
2) sex selection – the consultation asked the question whether sex selection should be banned or whether it should be allowed for family balancing therefore reinforcing gender stereotypes;
3)criteria for accepting potential parents – the criteria includes age, health, commitment and ability to provide for a future child. Whilst Conference strongly believes that the welfare of a child is paramount, it recognises that the assessment of what makes a good parent is subjective and that the criteria has the potential to discriminate against disabled, black, low paid, and lgbt prospective parents and non-traditional families.
Conference therefore instructs the National Women’s Committee to:
a)enter into discussions with the other national self-organised group committees in relation to issues raised in the consultation;
b)suggest recommendations to formulate a UNISON view with the intention of raising any concerns at any future appropriate opportunities;
c)raise awareness of the issues regarding access to IVF and the potential discrimination issues that may arise.