Norwich woman's petition to change NHS fertility testing

Stevie-Marie Curtis from New Catton describes herself as having a lot of love to give, which she hopes to give to a child of her own.  

But at the age of 32 she has not found anyone to settle down with, so she started to explore ways to become a parent alone.  

After a recent diagnosis of endometriosis, Stevie-Marie is unsure whether she can conceive naturally. 

Stevie-Marie has been struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis as it means she may not be able to or will struggle to conceive (Image: Stevie-Marie Curtis)

The business owner of Glitterized glitter tattoos said: "I was absolutely distraught to get the diagnosis. 

"The only thing I have ever known I wanted to do for sure is be a mum and the diagnosis means I may not be able to conceive."

Following a trip to her GP, Stevie-Marie was referred to an NHS fertility clinic to run tests to see if it were possible to fall pregnant.  

But this was later cancelled due to the fact she is single.  

She said: "I was told that I needed to have been trying for at least a year before anyone would step in. 

"I am heartbroken by this news – being single does not mean that I would be any less of a mother."

Stevie-Marie has two nephews who she spends every weekend with. She said: "I couldn’t imagine life without them – but being a mum would mean everything."

Now, she has released a petition to try to change the rules.

A spokesman for NHS Norfolk and Waveney said: “We sympathise with this individual’s situation and the frustration and distress this must cause.  

“Like all NHS organisations, NHS Norfolk and Waveney has finite resources from which to fund almost all health services in this area, and our policy is designed to ensure that access to treatment is as fair and transparent as possible.”