HFEA welfare of child test - a waste of time and a tick box exercise?

[needtobediscreet]

I do think this form / assessment is not really worth paper it's written on...

I've had to complete it twice now for 2 x IVF treatments, DH too. On both occasions, at different clinics, we've just filled in the form and handed it in with other paperwork. We have no issues and nothing to hide but no additional questions have ever been asked nor has the truthfulness of our answers been checked in any way, as far as I'm aware. I know in most cases all will be well and people conceiving naturally have no kind of similar assessment to complete and IVF etc is intrusive enough as it is BUT it does still rile me how superficial and tick box this is and I can't help but think it's pointless and won't pick up the people it's intended to. I don't see in what way it adds to the welfare of the child.

Here's the form: www.hfea.gov.uk/docs/WelfareofthechildformV2.pdf

And the guidance: www.hfea.gov.uk/5473.html#guidanceSection5485

[needtobediscreet]

bump

[DirtyBlonde]

How do you know your truthfulness hasn't been checked? Have you signed any form of waiver allowing access to your medical or other records?

It would indeed be utterly useless if not checked, but absence of obvious checks isn't quite the same as none being done.

[Seb101]

Interesting question.... I'd be interested to know if they actually check the answers you give. For example do they do a crb check? Or just rely the the fact you've ticked no criminal record! Do they check your not a smoker, drug taker by testing somehow, or just take your word for it! Don't think they can do a crb without your consent.
Seems silly to me to ask so many questions without checking the truth of the answers, after all you'll hardly going to admit to being a drug taking heavy drinker with a criminal record are you!?
Anyone know if they check these things? Or maybe they are just covering their backs and as long as they've asked the questions they can't be held responsible legally?? Not sure....

[maggiethemagpie]

Agree it is unfair that only IVF patients have to fill this form out. I suppose that's because they can refuse to give treatment but cant' refuse to allow people to conceive naturally. If it's any consolation I think I do remember being asked stock questions at my booking appointment about drug use, domestic violence etc. I remember saying that OH occasionally smoked out on the patio and got a big lecture from the midwife about how he was harming his family - so although I didn't fill out a form I sort of had it all in a different way.