Couple Struggles for IVF Funding Amid Prescription Cannabis Use

Chloe Newton-Gould, aged 23, and her boyfriend Josh Samain are facing significant obstacles in their journey to parenthood after their application for IVF funding was denied. The couple, who have been together since they were 15, were informed that Josh’s use of prescription cannabis to manage his Tourette’s syndrome disqualified them from receiving support through the National Health Service (NHS).

Chloe was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 2019, a condition that affects ovulation. After consulting with her general practitioner, she was referred to a fertility clinic in April 2023. This referral raised concerns during their initial appointment due to Josh’s prescribed cannabis use, which he consumes via a vape to control his symptoms.

Josh, a mechanic, experiences motor and verbal tics that can disrupt his daily life. Chloe explained how these tics can be “quite dramatic,” prompting the need for effective treatment. The couple was devastated last month when they learned they had been declined NHS IVF funding because of Josh’s cannabis consumption.

Chloe, a care assistant from Rustington, West Sussex, expressed her frustration. “Straight away I was crying; he was upset because he could see I was upset,” she said. “We can’t get the funding because of Josh’s cannabis use, so we both feel at fault and it is really hard even though we have no control over our condition.”

Following their initial denial, the couple obtained a valid prescription for Josh’s cannabis use and submitted it to the fertility clinic. Unfortunately, three weeks later, they received another denial for funding. “I felt really angry and sick because there are other people out there that do have children naturally and probably shouldn’t have children,” Chloe remarked, feeling that their situation had not been fully understood by the authorities.

The couple was told Josh would need to stop using cannabis for six months to qualify for IVF funding, a request Chloe deemed impossible. They have since lodged a complaint with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and appealed the decision. “With his motor tics—eyes, hands, mouth, feet, legs—his whole body tenses up,” Chloe explained. “The minute he uses the oil or vape, within seconds these tics stop, and he functions in everyday tasks.”

Chloe has taken to social media, sharing their story on TikTok, where it has gone viral, attracting attention from others who have faced similar issues. She is determined to continue advocating for change, expressing her desire to experience pregnancy fully. “I want to have that bump,” she stated, adding that they hope the NHS will reconsider their case.

Their fertility doctor has also made efforts to support their appeal, and they have received assistance from the charity Tourette’s Action. Chloe emphasized the importance of exploring every option before considering adoption.

NHS Sussex responded to the couple’s situation, stating that they are working to provide the right advice and explore all avenues for their IVF funding application. “To date, NHS funding has not been agreed as they do not currently meet the eligibility criteria, which includes both partners needing to be non-smokers, including not using e-cigarettes or vaping for at least six months before referral for specialist fertility treatment,” a spokesperson explained.

This policy aligns with national guidelines regarding the effects of smoking and vaping on fertility and treatment outcomes, which the NHS applies uniformly among all IVF funding applicants. “We know and understand how important this funding is for people who are trying to conceive and will continue to support the couple to explore appropriate options within NHS policy,” the spokesperson added.

As Chloe and Josh navigate this challenging situation, their resolve to pursue their family dream remains strong.