Couples struggling to have a baby could have the number of IVF treatments offered to them reduced by the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group.

At present, women in Epping Forest are offered three full cycles of IVF treatment (In Vitro Fertilisation) if they are aged between 23 and 39.

However, the clinical commission group (CCG), which took over last year, is now suggesting that only two cycles will be offered after a three-year waiting period.

Women aged between 40 and 42 can have one cycle on the NHS.

The CCG claims this will mean treatment can be offered to more women.

However, the National Infertility Awareness Campaign has called for a rethink.

It has responded by arguing the reduction would fall short of the current NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) clinical guideline which recommends three cycles for eligible couples struggling to conceive.

Changes could come into effect later this year.