Today the Scottish Government published the updated Women’s Health Plan: Phase Two (2026–2029), setting out its priorities for women and reproductive health over the next four years. While the Plan does not focus explicitly on fertility treatment access, there are important elements that could have a real impact on people living with infertility – both now and in the future.
A Preventative Focus on Preconception Health
One of the most significant parts of the new Plan for anyone affected by infertility is its emphasis on preconception and interconception health – that is, supporting people to optimise their health before and between pregnancies. The Scottish Government has committed to:
- Embedding the ‘OK Question’ into routine healthcare for people of reproductive age, prompting clinicians to ask about pregnancy desires so that conversations about family planning and reproductive goals become part of regular care.
- Enhancing support services so that preconception advice is accessible, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs.
What this means for patients:
For many people facing infertility, early and open discussions about reproductive goals can lead to quicker pathways to investigation, referral, and support. Normalising preconception conversations may help individuals and couples get the information they need earlier in their fertility journeys.
Better Education and Awareness Across the Life Course
Phase Two also commits to improving women’s health education from a young age, including information about reproductive health. The Plan highlights that many women and girls want better education around their bodies, health, and how health behaviours affect future fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
What this means for patients:
Improved education can help people recognise early signs of fertility challenges and understand when to seek specialist help – an important step given that delayed diagnosis is a common frustration voiced by people with infertility.
Reproductive Health Services and Gynaecology Care
The Plan expands support for gynaecology and reproductive health, with specific reference to conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids – all of which can contribute to fertility issues. Reducing waiting times and improving access to diagnosis and specialist care are part of this priority.
What this means for patients:
Better access to timely gynaecological care can remove barriers for those whose infertility is linked to conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is likely to have a positive impact on reproductive health.
What the Plan Doesn’t Do – And Why That Matters
While the Women’s Health Plan takes important steps in framing reproductive health and preconception support, it stops short of including standalone commitments specifically on fertility treatment access or waiting time targets. For example, it does not:
- Set new NHS targets for fertility treatment waiting times
- Expand IVF eligibility or treatment cycles (though this is being addressed separately through other policy announcements)
- Establish clear timelines for services for people diagnosed with infertility
5. What This All Means in Practice
- More routine conversations about fertility planning in healthcare settings could help people get referred earlier.
- Improved gynaecological services may shorten waits for diagnosis of conditions that contribute to infertility.
- Education on reproductive health promises better awareness of fertility issues from a young age.
However:
The Plan itself does not guarantee faster or expanded fertility treatment services – those remain the focus of separate NHS policy developments.
People currently on fertility treatment waiting lists may not see immediate benefit from the Women’s Health Plan alone.
Final Thoughts
The updated Women’s Health Plan represents meaningful progress in how reproductive health is framed in Scotland, with preconception health and improved gynaecology services potentially benefiting people affected by infertility. However, fertility treatment access – including IVF eligibility and waiting times – still relies on separate policy and investment decisions by the NHS and Scottish Government.
For many patients, today’s update offers hope through better conversations, education and earlier support – but there is still more work to be done to ensure equitable access to fertility care itself.
References
- Public Health Scotland – IVF Waiting times in Scotland, 25 November 2025
- Second phase of Women’s Health Plan, 20 January 2026
