Unregulated clinics

I've been reading about some fascinating Canadian research which calls for fertility clinics in Latin America to be regulated. Apparently, more and more fertility clinics are opening up in developing countries, where it is possible to offer treatment at relatively cheap rates. In order to make things easier for overseas patients, the clinics offer package deals which include travel, accommodation and treatment, allowing patients to have a "holiday" along with their IVF. The problem with the plethora of new clinics is that no one can be entirely sure of the standards they adhere to.

This can be a particular problem for patients travelling for treatment from the UK. Here. all fertility clinics offering IVF are tightly regulated and monitored, and it is easy to assume that clinics overseas must have the same rules and ethics. This is why it is so important to do your homework when you're looking for a fertility clinic abroad.

If you're interested in the Canadian research, you can find details on the University of Montreal website. You may also be interested in coming along to The Fertility Show where I will be giving a presentation on treatment overseas.