FREE IVF treatment on the NHS could be scrapped in Brentwood.

The Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – the consortium of GPs which runs NHS services in the areas – has begun a consultation on whether to halt free IVF and other fertility treatments from 2017.

The move is being considered to help tackle a £20 million deficit, with £400,000 being thought as an estimated saving.

Currently, women under 40 are offered three full cycles of IVF treatment by the CCG.

West Essex, Southend and Castle Point and Rochford commissioning groups having already reduced the services they offer.

Meanwhile, fertility services have already been shelved again in Mid-Essex, and the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group announced this week it would stop providing free fertility treatment too.

Andy Glew, laboratory manager at Simple Fertility,a fertility company, in Chelmsford, said the decision last year from the Mid Essex CCG to halt funding would have influenced the thoughts in Basildon and Brentwood.

He said: “Now we’re seeing Basildon and Brentwood and North Essex CCGs doing the same thing because they know Mid Essex got away with it.”

Mr Glew added: “They’re dealing with a patient group who aren’t going to shout about it. It’s difficult. They’re thinking there’s not much shouting, but who’s going to speak up when they’re struggling to get pregnant and the only way is IVF?”

Sarah Norcross, of patients campaign group Fertility Fairness, said: “Everyone should be eligible for treatment; not just the rich. This is a clear example of health inequality.

“If you have the misfortune to have a fertility problem, then the only way is not Essex.”

In Southend, IVF was extended to women aged 40 to 42 at the expense of women aged 23 to 39, who are now only offered two cycles of treatment rather than three.

The consultation document for Basildon and Brentwood can be found at basildonandbrentwoodccg.nhs.uk It is open until October 14.

A spokesman said: “We would encourage residents, as well as those with a special interest in fertility services, to respond to the consultation.”