Should someone's lifestyle dictate whether they receive fertility treatment?

Question

Should those too fat/smokers/poor be able to have IVF treatment on the NHS or should the NHS be for health maintainence not indulging the child less?

Answer 1

Well as obese people can struggle to conceive naturally, I don't see why they should go for IVF anyway.  Smokers should prove they have quit before treatement and prove that they won't smoke during the pregnancy.  Too many women don't look after themselves when pregnant and then the NHS takes the brunt of their stupidity when their babies are ill.

Answer 2

Well, if they were too poor to care for a child, they wouldn't be able to afford IVF either, so that theory is blown out the window.  As for too fat or smokers..... that's just asinine.  I'm overweight, but I'm a great mom.  A friend of mine smoked for 10 years (not while pregnant and has quit since having children) and is a really great mom as well.  Thousands of other overweight and/or smoking mothers/fathers are extremely great parents, so no, I don't think lifestyle should dictate whether they receive fertility treatments.  Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to be parents because of those characteristics?   Not based off the examples you gave anyway.  Your entire theory is just ignorant.  Nice try though

Answer 3

The nhs should be used for unwell people, not fat smokers who are poor.

couples who have become infertile through no fault of their own such as cancer treatment, should receive IVF on the nhs as long as they are stable enough, mentally physically and financially.

This question was asked by someone yesterday and alot of people replied with 'who are the nhs to play god' but these people should remember that if they believe in god then surely its god that made these people infertile!

people that desperate to conceive should a) make sacrifices such as quit smoking and b) keep to a healthy weight c) make sure they can afford to raise them first ie get a job!.