The master of the National Maternity Hospital has called on the Government to look at funding fertility treatment for Irish women who cannot conceive naturally.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent Dr Rhona Mahony said there was a strong argument for supporting women in an "important primal desire".
Dr Mahony said she understood the struggle for funding within the health service, but said it was important to recognise the heartbreak involved for people facing infertility problems.
She also said that as a result of the high cost of treatment, a growing number of Irish couples are seeking unethical treatments abroad, leaving Irish hospitals to "pick up the pieces".
