October 28th, 202450 bouncing babes give cause to celebrate
Victoria’s health minister, MP for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas says the state government is making fertility care more equitable and affordable and helping Macedon families save up to $10,000 to start or grow their family.
Ms Thomas’ media statement comes as the state government celebrates two years of free public fertility care in Victoria, welcoming 50 babies into the world and giving more Victorians the chance to start a family.
Since the landmark service began in 2022, more than 4,300 Victorians have commenced their
treatment journey, including more than 600 from regional and rural areas.
Victoria’s public fertility service is also improving access for multicultural communities with more than 20 per cent of people accessing the service speaking a language other than English at home.
As it enters its third year, locals in Macedon looking to start their fertility journey should speak
with their GP or specialist, as the service has capacity to help more Victorians start their family, Ms Thomas said in a media statement.
The advice focused on people expected to benefit most from the public service, including those with financial barriers to accessing private services, rural and regional Victorians, multicultural and multifaith communities and LGBTIQA+ Victorians, and those undergoing medical treatment impacting fertility.
Minister for Health and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Welcoming a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but for some Victorians this journey isn’t always straightforward – that is why we making it fairer and easier for more people to start or grow their families.”
“For many families in Macedon – this groundbreaking service will save money and time, and
help them realise their dream of starting or growing a family.”
Patients can access a range of free treatments including in vitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, as well as fertility preservation like egg
freezing for people undergoing medical treatment for illnesses that may compromise their fertility.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital, a number of satellite sites have also opened across the state, ensuring more people can access fertility care closer to home and helping hopeful parents cut down on unnecessary travel time and other indirect expenses.
Satellite clinic locations include Bendigo, Ballarat, Epping, Clayton, Sunshine, Heidelberg, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, and Warrnambool.
These services are also supported by Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank – opening in July 2023 and located at the Royal Women’s Hospital, it is providing crucial donor services for Public Fertility Care patients.
Featuring state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and staffed with highly qualified fertility experts, altruistic donations are encouraged from Victorians who want to give someone the chance to start or grow their family.
More information visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/public-fertility-care-services.
This story based on a media release from the office of health minister, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas.
