'I deserve to be a mum just as much as anyone'

A woman who was denied NHS fertility treatment because her husband already has a child has said she feels "let down" by proposals for new eligibility criteria.

Sarah Curtiss, 30, from North Hykeham, has polycystic ovary syndrome and spent years trying for a baby.

After being refused free IVF, she campaigned to change the guidelines on who can access treatment across the East Midlands.

The new proposals, which follow a review, maintain the stepchild rule, though NHS bosses insist no decisions have been made.

Ms Curtiss helped to start a petition in 2021 and called on local health boards to "update their antiquated policies".

"The policy needs to be changed so it’s fairer for families across the board," she said.

"I deserve to be a mum just as much as anyone else.

"To not have that opportunity simply because my partner chose to have a life before he even met me, it’s absurd and it’s not right."