Below is the reply from the MPs to the Department of Health.
First up, it is disappointing in that they seem to miss the point that it is also about fertility awareness - they focus on the infertility aspect which makes me fear they continue to miss the point. The reply in other respects is very plain vanilla standard. Non-committal and a simple acknowledgement of the communication.
Is there more that can be done? Yes. We need to continue lobbying. Which is where you all come in. Watch out for the petition which will be circulating shortly. And for right now, a response will be sent to make clear that the point is not just dealing with infertility but fertility awareness - making us more aware of our own biology in advance, so we are properly informed and be pro-active in the steps we take to mitigate the risk.
Bottom-line, the situation is not going to improve - only worsen - with more and more cuts. And with headlines such as this, saying that in the UK if you are unhealthy (e.g. a smoker, or overweight) that you may be denied healthcare in the future, the point becomes all the more relevant. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20100816/tuk-unhealthy-brits-could-be-denied-free-dba1618.html.
Therefore, doing nothing is not an option.
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Thank you for your emails of 16 July and 22 July to Andrew Lansley, Simon Burns, Paul Burstow and Anne Milton about infertility. I have been asked to reply.
I should explain that, due to the quantity of correspondence received by the Department, it is not possible for Ministers to reply to all letters and emails personally.
In addition to my colleague's previous replies, I can confirm that the Department was interested to read your suggestions and that policy officials are aware of them. However, while the Department is grateful for any submissions from members of the public, it is not possible to guarantee that policy officials will be in a position to enter into dialogue regarding such submissions.
I hope this reply is helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Tringham
Customer Service Centre
Department of Health
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