Hawys Barrett, a mother from Carmarthenshire, experienced years of loneliness following multiple unsuccessful attempts to conceive, including an ectopic pregnancy and two miscarriages. IVF treatment in 2019 finally led to the birth of her son, Mabon.
Fertility Network UK reported that four in 10 women undergoing fertility treatment have felt suicidal. The Welsh government noted that three clinics in Wales offer counseling for NHS patients receiving fertility treatments.
Hawys Barrett described the six-year period before her son's birth as "difficult and lonely," marked by anxiety while waiting to see if each attempt had succeeded. Emma Rees, Wales coordinator for Fertility Network UK, highlighted the isolation of fertility journeys, with over 80% of survey respondents reporting constant worry, sadness, or anxiety, and 40% experiencing suicidal feelings.
Sian Gwenllian, a Plaid Cymru member of the Welsh Parliament, criticized the state of fertility services in Wales and called for improvements in facilities and support, particularly in the north-west.
The Welsh government acknowledged the challenges faced during IVF and emphasized the availability of counseling through clinics commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC), encouraging those in need to reach out to their fertility team or local health board.