The number of single women pursuing fertility treatments in the UK has more than tripled between 2012 and 2022, increasing from 1,400 to 4,800 women. Experts attribute this rise to women delaying childbearing and struggling to find stable partners, while also facing significant financial and social challenges.
The article highlights three women’s experiences with single parenthood through fertility treatments:
Gina, 39, a community mental health nurse, chose to become a single mother after a fertility assessment in her mid-30s. She underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI) using donor sperm, which cost around £1,500, and successfully became pregnant in 2021. With strong family support, including her sister and mother, Gina felt confident in her decision. She moved back to Northumberland to manage childcare pressures and believes that having love and support makes single parenthood viable.
Sophie, 46, an RAF member, spent her 30s living a full life but became concerned about her biological clock as she approached 40. After initial unsuccessful attempts and a miscarriage, she froze her eggs and pursued IVF, spending approximately £30,000 on the process. Although she was briefly dating a same-sex partner during her pregnancy, she considers herself a solo parent. Despite facing skepticism from some professionals, Sophie feels she and her daughter Martha share a special bond.
Michelle, 42, decided to have children after a long-term relationship ended. Believing that children are “time-limited” while romance is not, she chose IUI with a sperm donor. She paid £1,800 for the procedure and successfully had two children in 2021 and 2023. Michelle appreciates the autonomy of making all parenting decisions independently, though she acknowledges the challenges of solo parenting.
The article also explores the barriers single women face when pursuing fertility treatments. IUI is not routinely covered by the NHS, and IVF funding varies significantly across the UK. Scotland does not fund fertility treatment for single women, while England has a “complete patchwork” of access depending on local decisions.
Dr. Catherine Hill from Fertility Network UK notes that most areas require women to pay for multiple artificial insemination cycles before qualifying for NHS-funded IVF. Additionally, childcare costs pose another significant financial challenge for single parents.
However, Dr. Hill also highlights positive changes, including reduced stigma around single parenthood and women becoming more proactive about their fertility. She argues that societal attitudes have evolved, and policy should now catch up to support these changing family structures.
The trend reflects a growing recognition that women have multiple paths to parenthood and are increasingly willing to pursue their desire for children on their own terms.
