The Andrews Labor Government will make it easier for more Victorians to achieve their dream of becoming parents by establishing the first public fertility care service in Victoria.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will invest $70 million to establish public fertility care services, which will help up to 4,000 Victorians every year—saving them on average $10,000 each, an official press release said.
IVF can help people who want to become parents achieve their dreams, but too often and for too many, it’s financially out of reach. This investment will work to ease the financial pressure on many hopeful families during what is already a demanding experience for many.
The funding includes $20 million to improve public hospital facilities to deliver the services, while $50 million will be invested to provide up to 2,700 free treatment cycles and a range of other fertility care services to up to 4,000 Victorians per year.
This investment will deliver on the Labor Government’s commitment to create public IVF services, while also establishing Victoria’s first public sperm and egg bank.
Public fertility care will make a real difference to thousands of Victorian families, with services expected to start in a phased approach from 2022. It is estimated public IVF will deliver on average savings of $10,000 to eligible Victorians, depending on their individual circumstances.
This investment will also create jobs for more Victorians, with roles as fertility specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors, laboratory scientists and support staff.
The landmark Independent Review of Assisted Reproductive Treatment by Michael Gorton AM found the establishment of public fertility services was critical to making the system fairer and was strongly supported by many stakeholders, including private providers.
The final report made recommendations specific to the establishment of public assisted reproductive treatment services and a public sperm and egg bank. These recommendations have been carefully considered in the development of the model for public fertility care services in Victoria.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said, “IVF is hard enough on hopeful families. Public IVF means the chance of becoming a parent is that much closer for more Victorians.
“We’re removing the financial barrier faced by too many families and making IVF easier, fairer and more affordable—it will be life changing for thousands of Victorian families every year.
“Our policy will save Victorian families up to $10,000 each year, ensuring that bank balance is no barrier to becoming a parent.”
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