Erin Lavery, now 23 and cancer-free, is advocating for expanded NHS access to egg preservation services after her own experience with cancer treatment left her unable to have children naturally. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in August 2024, she underwent six months of chemotherapy followed by one month of radiotherapy. Due to the urgency of beginning treatment immediately, there was insufficient time to complete the egg preservation process, which typically requires up to three weeks.
Following her recovery, fertility testing confirmed that Lavery’s reproductive capacity had been significantly affected. She was advised that preserving her eggs immediately represented her best option for future parenthood. However, because the preservation occurs after cancer treatment rather than before, the NHS will not fund the procedure. She now faces costs of £8,000 and anticipates requiring two cycles to obtain an adequate number of eggs.
Lavery, who works as a nail technician and missed two years of employment during her cancer treatment, describes the financial burden as a considerable shock compounded by the emotional weight of the decision. Cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy can affect fertility in various ways, with reduced fertility representing one of the most significant side effects for young women.
Having documented her cancer journey on social media, Lavery has built a substantial following and received thousands of comments expressing shock that post-cancer fertility treatment is not universally funded. She has begun advocating for policy changes, though she acknowledges being uncertain about the formal procedures required to effect change. The Scottish government has responded that it is sympathetic to her campaign and indicated it will soon release a review of fertility services.
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