NHS babies for addict defended

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Glasgow couple Nicola McCall, 28, and Shane Curran, 31, were given three courses of Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) on the NHS despite their dependence on the heroin substitute methadone.

Their son Aiden and daughter Taylor were born last month and have been allowed home with their parents after being given a clean bill of health, according to reports.

The couple, who have been on methadone for five years, say they are determined to become drug-free and thanked doctors for the chance of a family.

Professor Neil McKeganey, director of the Centre for Drug Misuse Research in Glasgow, said studies showed children born to addicts were more likely to be neglected and become drug users themselves.

But Ms McCall's consultant said prospective parents should not be judged on their social circumstances.

Dr Mary Hepburn told the Daily Record: "It is right and proper that any parent being looked into for possible fertility treatment is assessed - this should include looking at their age, their weight and of course their health, both mental and physical.

"But just because someone takes drugs should not rule them out.

"Some people in society are too quick to judge who should or should not get treatments on the NHS.

"In this case it comes down to poverty. Many addicts will be in poverty. Are we saying that every poor person should not be allowed treatments on the NHS to help them have a baby?"