Parents save for children's fertility treatment amid UK fertility decline
A report indicates that parents are increasingly saving money for their children's future fertility treatment, as UK fertility rates reach historic lows.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Parents are increasingly putting money aside for their children's future fertility treatment, as UK fertility rates fall to historic lows. The trend goes beyond traditional saving for a wedding or a house deposit, with some families now budgeting for procedures such as egg freezing and IVF.
One woman, Ali, who chose to freeze her eggs after getting divorced, said she has spent about £5,000 on storage fees so far. She described the process as "frozen hope", noting both the emotional and financial costs. The first egg freezing treatment costs well over £5,000, before annual storage fees or the cost of using the eggs.
A recent survey suggests around six in 10 UK parents would consider paying for their daughter to freeze her eggs. More than one in five already see egg freezing as a financial milestone, similar to going to university or buying a home. Among those already saving for their children's futures, one in 10 are putting money aside for fertility treatment.
Dr Guy Morris, from the southwest, said the age of first-time mothers is now over 30, and fathers are even older, due to factors like the cost of living and childcare. He noted that as people get older, fertility becomes more difficult. Egg freezing is one of the fastest growing fertility treatments worldwide, and clinics report a near doubling of inquiries.
Experts caution that egg freezing should not be seen as an insurance policy. One clinic representative said it is more like an investment in the future, offering more options but no guarantee of a successful pregnancy or live birth. A change in the law now allows eggs to be stored in the UK for up to 55 years, giving women more time to decide. As more women look to keep their options open, more families are finding they need to budget for these costs too.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| A change in the law allows eggs to be stored in the UK for up to 55 years. | |
| Around six in 10 UK parents would consider paying for their daughter to freeze her eggs. | |
| Over 5,000 women a year in the UK choose to freeze their eggs. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on the personal and financial aspects of egg freezing, using a local case study to illustrate the costs. It highlights the growing trend of parents saving for their children's fertility treatment, with expert commentary from a regional doctor and a clinic representative. The tone is sympathetic and practical, emphasising the emotional and financial trade-offs.
- “I often talk about egg freezing in terms of frozen hope and you pay a price for keeping that hope on ice.”
- “What I tend to say to patients is that it's more like an investment in for the future.”
- “But unfortunately, as we get older, fertility becomes more difficult.”
Broadcast Timeline
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