THE region's leading infertility expert has called for "discriminatory" IVF treatment rules to be relaxed.

Professor Alison Murdoch, head of fertility services at Newcastle's Centre of Life, was speaking after widespread publicity about a 66-year-old Rumanian woman, who gave birth after receiving donated eggs and sperm.

In the North-East, there is a 45- year age limit for women seeking IVF treatment on the NHS, but Prof Murdoch said that this was because of a shortage of donated eggs more than anything else.

"If anyone out there wants to be an egg or sperm donor, we would love to hear from you. They are a precious resource and we have people who are waiting years for treatment," she said.

While Prof Murdoch feels it is inappropriate to comment on the case of Adriana Iliescu, who had nine years of fertility treatment, she said the rules surrounding the availability of IVF treatment in the UK are too strict.

"At the moment, the rules are discriminatory. The rest of us can have babies without having to ask anyone else whether they think it is suitable that we have a family.

"However, if you need fertility treatment, using your own egg and your own sperm, there has to be some sort of assessment," said Prof Murdoch yesterday.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) launched a public consultation earlier this month on how far fertility clinics should probe the background of potential parents.

By law, clinics must consider the welfare of any child born through fertility treatment, but the way this is done varies considerably.

The HFEA consultation period is due to end in April and Dr Murdoch urged people to take part by visiting the website www.hfea.gov.uk

In cases where women are seeking donated eggs, the Newcastle clinic is forced to apply the 45-year age limit because of the severe shortage of eggs.

To donate eggs or sperm, contact 0191-219 4740.