Helping locals start their families

SINCE the introduction of free fertility care in Victoria two years ago, 50 babies have been welcomed into the world, providing Victorians, including Bellarine locals with the chance of a family.

As the Victorian government celebrates the milestone, more than 4,300 Victorians have started their treatment journey, which includes more than 600 from regional areas.

Bellarine locals looking to start their fertility journey are encouraged to speak to their GP or specialist, with capacity for the service to help more families.

“This groundbreaking service is about bringing fertility care to the heart of our community – making it more accessible and more affordable than ever for those across the Bellarine, who are wanting to start a family,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

The call out is focused on those with financial barriers to accessing financial services, rural and regional Victorians, multicultural and multifaith communities and LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

Patients have access to free treatments including in vitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and fertility preservation.

Satellite sites have been set up in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital, including in Geelong at Barwon Health.

These sites ensure more people have access to care closer to home, cutting down on travel time and other expenses.

“Welcoming a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but for some Victorians this journey isn’t always straight forward – that is why we’re making it fairer and easier for more people to start or grow their families,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

For more information, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au