Celebrating Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: CREATE Fertility’s Win at the First Metro Pride Awards

At CREATE Fertility, our mission has always been to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or identity, has the chance to build the family of their dreams. This commitment was recognised at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, where we were proud to have been awarded the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion accolade. This honor reflects the tireless work and dedication our team have put into championing equal access to fertility treatments for LGBTQ+ couples and underrepresented communities.

A Champion for the LGBTQ+ Community: CREATE Fertility Founder & Medical Director, Professor Geeta Nargund

Behind CREATE Fertility’s success is our Founder and Medical Director, Professor Geeta Nargund, whose unwavering commitment to reproductive rights has changed the landscape of fertility treatment for many. Professor Nargund has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, tirelessly campaigning for fair and equal access to the fertility services they need.

 Her advocacy work has been vital in raising awareness about the inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals when seeking fertility treatments. She has used her platform in the media, appearing on national television and newspapers including The Times, The Telegraph, The Independent and The I, as well as leading consumer and LGBTQ+ platforms  such as HuffPost, Gay Times, and OutNews Global, to shine a spotlight on these issues. Professor Nargund has also contributed to The Economist Impact report, “Fertility Policy and Practice: A Toolkit for Europe,” pushing for better access to fertility treatments for female same-sex couples across the continent, which is key for improving birth rates and in turn will support our long-term economic prosperity.

Gentler, More Inclusive Treatment:  Mild and Natural IVF

At CREATE Fertility, we understand that many LGBTQ+ couples don’t face infertility they simply need assisted conception to start their families. Our Mild and Natural IVF treatments are specifically designed to reduce the intensity of drugs and side effects, providing a gentler and safer approach to fertility treatment. These options make it easier for hopeful parents to navigate the process of conception with less physical and emotional burden, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this crucial time.

A Diverse and Inclusive Future for All Families

We are proud to have helped over 550 LGBTQ+ parents bring their children into the world, and with our sister clinic, abc IVF, over 350 babies have been born to LGBTQ+ couples. This means that more than 900 babies have been born through Professor Nargund’s clinics, thanks to her pioneering work and dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. These numbers are more than just statistics, they represent the countless lives we’ve touched and the hope we’ve helped foster for LGBTQ+ couples who longed for the opportunity to start a family.

As a progressive society, fertility treatment plays an essential role in creating diverse, inclusive families. At CREATE Fertility, we firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to become a parent, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or background. Professor Nargund’s work has been instrumental in making this a reality for thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals across the UK and beyond.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Equality

Winning the Metro Pride Award for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is a significant milestone for CREATE Fertility, but it is just one step in our ongoing journey. We remain dedicated to improving access to fertility treatment for underrepresented groups, advocating for policies that ensure fairness and equality, and continuing to provide high-quality, inclusive care for all.

 Through her leadership, Professor Nargund has created a legacy of inclusivity, diversity, and equality in fertility care. Together, with the support of our team and the LGBTQ+ community, we will continue to break down barriers, challenge discrimination, and build a future where every individual has the opportunity to start the family they deserve.

 

Tackling the Fertility Access Postcode Lottery

One of the most significant barriers to fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples is the “NHS postcode lottery.” Access to NHS-funded fertility treatments is often determined by where a person lives, with same-sex couples facing disproportionate restrictions and unfair non-clinical criteria. As it stands, 52% of Integrated Care Boards – the bodies that determine NHS provision - require same-sex couples to self-fund between 6-12 cycles of artificial insemination before being eligible for NHS-funded fertility care. This can cost couples up to £25,000 before they are even eligible for funded support.

Professor Nargund has been vocal about the need to address these inequities, and at CREATE Fertility, we are committed to reducing the burden on couples who seek fertility treatments.

Innovating for Inclusive Access: The Pioneering Work of CREATE Fertility

CREATE Fertility was founded with a focus on offering safer, lower drug fertility treatments for women and LGBTQ+ couples. Our commitment to providing accessible care for all is evident in the founding of abc IVF, the UK’s first affordable IVF clinic. This pioneering move made IVF treatments available at a fraction of the cost, empowering more LGBTQ+ couples to access the fertility care they need to grow their families.

At CREATE Fertility and abc ivf, we also aim to make fertility treatment more accessible through education. Professor Nargund has worked alongside prominent LGBTQ+ influencers like ‘Teddy Has Two Mams’ to create informative, easy-to-understand resources that help LGBTQ+ couples navigate their fertility journey with confidence.