Victorians will be able to access Australia’s first IVF clinic after it opened in Melbourne on Tuesday, giving hope to many trying to have a baby.
The clinic will be the country’s first free therapy for those who cannot conceive.
The clinic will be run by the Royal Women’s Hospital and Monash Health and will be able to provide services to 4,000 people trying to have a baby a year.
With each IVF cycle costing at least $10,000, the clinic will help remove barriers for those who want to have a baby, Mr Andrews said.
“IVF can be life-changing for people who may be struggling to have a baby, but all too often it’s financially out of reach for many,” he said.
The clinic was allocated $70 million in the 2021 budget and was a 2018 election promise by the Andrews government.
It is hoped the clinic could be expanded next year, with the Prime Minister promising to expand its services to 5,000 women if re-elected.
This campaign promise will also include $13.5 million to expand services in regional areas.
In addition to IVF procedures, fertility preservation, genetic testing, donor and surrogacy services, and a public sperm and egg bank will also be available.
Originally published as A major push for expectant parents: the opening of the first state IVF clinic
https://www.cairnspost.com.au/breaking-news/major-boost-for-future-parents-as-first-public-ivf-clinic-to-open/news-story/4a367ee4f4366f4962df869cc40b848c
