Sir, In your article “Bishop blesses IVF for over-50s” (Oct 14) you mention how the number of embryos transferred in IVF will be limited further to eliminate multiple pregnancies.

There are probably not many women over 50 who will use IVF, but this restriction will make a large difference to many. It will increase the number of rounds of IVF, increase the drugs they have to take, increase the psychological pain of IVF, and dramatically increase the cost. This is a cost that is borne privately most of the time and not by the State.

A singleton pregnancy is more desirable, from a medical perspective, than twins. However, most twins, both natural and IVF, are born perfectly safely. It is the doctors who administer IVF and their patients who should be making decisions about embryo transfer. All couples respond differently to the treatment and so each case should be judged on its merits and not by a bureaucratic authority. If, for example, a couple produces low-grade embryos, then many embryos should be transferred on the off-chance that one takes. If a couple produces high-grade embryos then it is acceptable to transfer just one or two as the chance of conception is so much higher.

Lord Harries of Pentregarth sits on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and says he “relishes” making these ethical decisions. I find this a strange sentiment when he is interfering in childless people’s lives and making decisions for them — decisions that may well increase their psychological (and financial) torment.

In effect, the HFEA will now drive many women to travel abroad where treatment is based on patient needs, not on the whims of a quango.

M. SCHEWITZ
London N2

Sir, If Lord Harries has his way, future generations of babies of elderly mothers may be put into care or given up for adoption if the mothers are unable to look after their IVF offspring and there is no father around.

Many older women have had careers or have met new partners and want second families. Are these good reasons to bring babies into the world?

Mothers and not fathers are still the principal carers in the majority of families. Children used to be told when they did not get what they wanted —“life is not fair”. It is time to tell that to these women.

JANE STEPHANY
London NW7

Sir, A close association with small grandchildren is one of the most fulfilling of all experiences. To be entrusted with their care for a few days and nights is a wonderful privilege but it is also, for people in their sixties and beyond, an exhausting experience. Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she ordained that women should cease child-bearing when they reach their mid-forties; women beyond that age simply don’t have the necessary stamina.

Mother Nature may be ageist and sexist, but she has been around a lot longer than us, and knows best.

MICHAEL BIZZEY
Woodbridge, Suffolk

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