What it is
Thanks to Prof Joyce Harper for inviting me to attend the annual meeting of the Reproductive Technologies Network - I learned SO much, and it's such an honour to be able to represent the patient perspective in a forum like this.
Convened by the Reproductive Science and Society Group at the Institute for Women's Health, UCL, the aim of the meeting is to bring together a multidisciplinary team of people working in Assisted Reproductive Technology) - including academics, clinicians, industry bodies (such as the HFEA, Donor Conception Network & the Progress Educational Trust) and patient representatives (that’s me!) to discuss research on topics such as IVF add-ons, patient support, egg freezing, donor conception, fertility education and FemTech, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Why it matters
Fertility isn't just medicine - it's an industry. We're not just patients - we're consumers.
We're not just undergoing medical treatment - we're being sold services.
We need evidence-based treatment and support, and the information to be able to make genuinely informed decisions about what's right for us - which is why independent research that's NOT driven by commercial motivations is so, so important.
As a patient, it's so heartening to know that there are so many incredibly smart people fighting our corner - and I hope I can make a difference by having a seat at the table.