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RESOLVED:
 
This Council notes:
 
· 
That Infertility is
defined by the World Health Organisation as a disease of the
reproductive system.
· 
In the UK, it’s
estimated approximately 1 in 6 heterosexual couples will struggle
to conceive, or 3.5 million people per year. However, this number
does not include same-sex couples, single or trans people who must
also be afforded the right to try for a family.
· 
Although often seen as
a women’s health issue, the reality is that both men and
women are just as likely to face fertility problems. Data from the
fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority, shows that male infertility is the most common reason
for a couple to start treatment.
· 
We welcome the sector
leading work of NHS North East London in consulting on and then
committing to more equitable access to treatment for all who need
it. As a borough we stand on a long history of campaigning around
NHS provision and believe all who face fertility issues must be
treated with the same dignity.
· 
There is no legal
right to time off for fertility treatment. But, if a woman is
refused leave, it could be regarded as unlawful sexual
discrimination. It can be ruled that a failure to accommodate
conditions specific to women are unlawful.
· 
The Trade Union
Congress (TUC) has asked the Equal Opportunities Commission to
recommend leave for fertility treatment in their equality law
reform submission.
 
This Council:
 
· 
Welcomes the sector
leading work of NHS North East London in consulting on and then
committing to more equitable access to treatment for all who need
it. As a borough we stand on a long history of campaigning around
NHS provision and believe all who face fertility issues must be
treated with the same dignity.
 
Hackney Council is therefore pleased to announce its
commitment to becoming a fully Fertility friendly borough as
endorsed by the national charity Fertility Network UK, and
resolves:
 
· 
To begin to work
towards becoming a beacon of best practice via training for staff
and managers, working towards policy implementation and committing
to ongoing support for staff facing fertility issues.
· 
To campaign for places
of work within the London Borough of Hackney to be Fertility
friendly, supportive to staff and to join the work of Fertility
Networks own Fertility in the Workplace initiative. 
· 
To write to the
Government to act upon its own recommendations in the women’s
health strategy and the recommendations of NICE in fully
implementing three cycles of IVF for all who are
eligible.
· 
To call for the
implementation of recommendations in the national
Government’s Women’s Health Strategy that same sex
couples be afforded the same access to treatment as heterosexual
couples.
· 
To commit to marking
fertility awareness week each year as a Council thereby recognising
the need to support and help many of our residents facing this
issue.
 
Proposer: Cllr Sheila Suso-Runge
Seconder: Cllr Anna Lynch