LETTER : A benign disorder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Andrew Denny
Sir: My eyes pop to learn that anyone still thinks infertility is an illness (Letters, 20 April). Clare Brown, of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign, asks:
Why are infertile couples expected to accept that, for them, having children should be a luxury or only available privately? Of all the injustices faced by the infertile, this is perhaps the greatest.
The world is unfair, nature is unfair. In an overpopulated, over-fertile world, infertility is not an illness, it is simply a disorder; and a benign and useful one at that, like homosexuality. The proper NHS option for couples who are infertile (and don't like it) is psychiatric - not fertility - treatment.
A small amount of fertility treatment on the NHS is a useful research tool, adding to our stock of medical knowledge. But to talk of not getting free infertility treatment on the NHS as a "great injustice" is creative indignation, and an insult to those of us who have learnt to live with our childlessness and even appreciate it at times.
Yours faithfully,
ANDREW DENNY
London, SW20
21 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments