An IVF campaign group took its fight to the streets in an all-day roadside protest against Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust.
The group, which claims its members are being discriminated against for IVF funding because of their age, started its protest outside the PCT’s headquarters but was moved on by security guards.
Richard Mackenzie, 29, from Witney, and his 26-year-old fiancée, have been trying to have a baby for six years and have been told IVF is their only chance of conceiving.
Twelve protesters, led by Mr Mackenzie, set up camp with banners and loudspeakers in Garsington Road, Cowley, after being told to leave the Oxford Business Park, pictured, within minutes of arriving today.
Guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice), states free treatment should be given to women aged 23 to 39, but Oxfordshire PCT will only fund IVF treatment for couples aged 35 to 38.
Mr Mackenzie said: “We aren’t just doing this for our cause, we are doing it for everyone who has ever been denied the treatment they so desperately need by Oxfordshire PCT.”
A PCT spokesman said officials were aware of the protest. She added: “It is Mr Mackenzie’s right to tell us about the impact of our policies. We place a high value on hearing the views of our public when making difficult decisions around spending priorities.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel