Rise in single mothers having IVF babies: figures triple in decade as almost 100 women a week try to get pregnant without a partner

The number of single women and same-sex couples undergoing fertility treatment has tripled in ten years, new figures show.

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of single women using IVF or donor insemination increased from 1,400 to 4,800.

And the number of female same-sex couples undergoing fertility treatment rose from 1,300 to 3,300 in the same period, according to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

This means that single women now account for 6 percent of all IVF treatments – more than one in twenty – compared to 2 percent ten years earlier. Experts say the rise in numbers and falling average age of 36 is likely because it is more socially acceptable than a decade ago.

The report highlights how egg freezing is one of the ‘fastest growing’ treatments. This initiative is typically undertaken by people who want to keep their fertility options open for later in life. As of 2018, single women made up 90 percent of participants.

Only one in 10 egg freezing treatments occurred in heterosexual couples, but this group thawed eggs before treatment more often than single women.

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of single women using IVF or donor insemination increased from 1,400 to 4,800 (stock image)

The report highlights how egg freezing is one of the ‘fastest growing’ treatments. This is typically undertaken by those who want to keep their fertility options open for later in life. As of 2018, single women accounted for 90 percent of participants (stock image)

In 2022, one in six IVF cycles among female couples was so-called ‘reciprocal IVF’, where one woman carries an embryo created from their partner’s egg.

The report also mentions surrogacy for the first time, which was used in 0.4 percent of all IVF treatments in 2022. Heterosexual couples accounted for 39 percent of this, while ‘other family types’ – such as all-male couples – made up the majority. the remaining 61 percent.

Overall, almost nine in ten (89 percent) IVF treatments in 2022 would take place among opposite-sex couples, the HFEA said.

The authors highlighted how single women and same-sex couples had the highest birth rates after undergoing treatment, with the rate per embryo transferred reaching 40 percent, compared to 35 percent for heterosexual couples.

The different percentages are likely due to reasons for undergoing IVF, as opposite-sex couples are most likely to use the treatment due to infertility problems.

NHS funding for IVF was least common among single patients and female same-sex couples in 2022 – 18 and 16 percent respectively – compared to 52 percent for heterosexual couples aged 18 to 39.

Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, said: ‘In Britain, different family groups have access to a wide range of reproductive options when starting their fertility journey.

travel. While the number of female same-sex couples and

single patients undergoing fertility treatment continue to rise, we continue to see lower numbers of NHS funded treatments.”

She added: ‘Although the HFEA does not regulate funding, we encourage those commissioning fertility services to review their eligibility criteria and consider whether these have a negative impact on access to treatment, and we hope this report will lead to further discussion will lead.

‘We also encourage healthcare providers to ensure that the information they provide reflects the diversity of families and patients accessing treatment, so that everyone can have an inclusive experience.’

Rise in single mothers having IVF babies: figures triple in decade as almost 100 women a week try to conceive without a partner