Campaign for fertility treatment

Richard MacKenzie says people in Oxfordshire are getting a raw deal

A man has set up an online petition to lower the eligibility age for fertility treatment on the NHS in Oxfordshire.

Richard MacKenzie, 29, and his partner, 26, from Witney, have been trying to have a child for six years.

Guidelines set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) specify women as young as 23 should be helped.

Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust offers IVF to women over 35. It is not obliged to implement the NICE recommendations.

"It's unfair that people who live in Oxfordshire get a raw deal," Mr MacKenzie said.

"A lot of couples are suffering from depression and anxiety disorders because of the discrimination they're being put through," he added.

The 29-year-old has set up an online petition as well as a group on the social networking site facebook.

Policy review

He is trying to attract support during a public consultation on fertility treatment, which ends on 17 April.

NHS South Central are trying to develop a single policy for Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight for assisted conception.

Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has said it will listen to people's concerns.

"The South Central policy review, currently underway will take into account the NICE guidelines and also include an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness and affordability."