IVF leave
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Should People in Scotland Have the Right to IVF Leave – Just Like Maternity Leave?

In recent years, conversations around workplace rights have grown louder, and rightly so. From flexible hours to parental leave, we’re making progress. But one area that’s still a bit of a grey zone? IVF leave.

Here in Scotland, more people are turning to fertility treatment to start or grow their families. And while the NHS in Scotland is one of the most supportive when it comes to providing funded IVF cycles, the same can’t always be said for workplace support.

What is IVF?

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a medical procedure where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to help people conceive. It can be physically demanding and emotionally draining – with multiple appointments, hormone treatments, and often, a rollercoaster of emotions. For many, it’s the only path to parenthood.

And yet, there’s no legal right in the UK (or Scotland specifically) to take time off work for IVF treatment. That means people often end up using sick days, annual leave, or unpaid time off to manage everything.

Why IVF leave matters

Imagine juggling early-morning injections, hospital appointments, and the emotional toll of fertility treatment, all while trying to do your job. It’s no surprise that many people feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or even forced to keep their treatment a secret.

What’s happening now?

Some progressive employers in Scotland and across the UK are already stepping up. They’re offering dedicated fertility policies, paid IVF leave, and flexible working options. But it’s far from the norm.

There’s currently no legal requirement for employers to provide IVF leave, and that means support can vary wildly from company to company. If you’re lucky, you work somewhere that gets it. If not, you might be left feeling like you have to choose between your job and your dream of having a child.

Could Scotland lead the way?

There’s real potential for Scotland to be a leader in this space. With our devolved approach to health and social policy, and a growing focus on workplace wellbeing, we could become one of the first parts of the UK to introduce formal IVF leave policies – or at least push for stronger rights across the board. Politicians, unions, and workers’ rights groups are starting to talk about it more.

What can employers do right now?

Even without a legal requirement, employers in Scotland can take action now to support their staff:

  • Create a fertility leave policy: It doesn’t need to be complex. A few days of paid leave for IVF appointments can make a huge difference.
  • Train managers: Help line managers understand what IVF involves so they can support staff with empathy and discretion.
  • Promote flexibility: Allow time off for appointments and rest when needed, without guilt.
  • Create an open culture: Make it clear that your workplace supports individuals undergoing fertility treatment.

Final thoughts on IVF Leave in Scotland

Starting a family shouldn’t come at the cost of someone’s job, wellbeing, or financial security. IVF leave is about recognising a reality that many people in Scotland are living through and giving them the dignity and support they deserve. So maybe it’s time we start treating IVF leave the same way we treat maternity and paternity leave: not as a perk, but as a right.

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