Background to this work

To deal with the unacceptably high multiple birth rates following in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) carried out a detailed review and public consultation. The aim was to identify the most suitable policy for reducing these rates without diminishing patients’ chances of having a baby.  

Expert group report and membership

An independent expert group was set up by the HFEA in response to rising concerns about the incidence of multiple births after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) / intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The group reviewed the available data and made recommendations to the HFEA and other organisations that have a role to play in reducing the high incidence of multiple births after IVF.  Read more >>

HFEA public consultation

The HFEA launched a public consultation on the issue of multiple births after IVF in April 2007. The consultation process included two public meetings: one for practitioners and one for patients.  Read more>>

Mission statement

As a result of the extensive research and collaborative work of the organisations involved, a mission statement on multiple births was produced in summer 2008.  Read more>>

Consensus statement

‘Multiple births from fertility treatment in the UK: A Consensus statement’ sets out in detail the aims, motivations and methods of the One at a time campaign. Read more>>

The work of the National Strategy Multiple Births Stakeholder Group

A National Strategy Multiple Births Stakeholder Group was established in December 2007. Its members are organisations involved in the provision; regulation; commissioning and oversight of fertility treatment. Its aims include developing professional guidance and training on elective single embryo transfer (eSET) and removing obstacles and disincentives (including financial ones) to best practice.  Read more>>