Australian-first program reaches baby milestone

MORE than 150 babies have been born as part of the State Government’s Australian-first, free public fertility program.

The program is a partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital and includes satellite clinics in Ballarat, Bendigo, Epping, Clayton, Sunshine, Heidelberg, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, and Warrnambool. The service allows patients to access a range of free treatments such as in vitro fertilisation and insemination, and fertility preservation like egg freezing.

Almost 5000 Victorians have begun treatment ­– including more than 780 people from rural and regional areas – since the program began in 2022.

“There is no feeling like holding your newborn for the first time and to know that our public fertility service has given the parents of more than 150 babies that experience is just incredible,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“We’re making it cheaper, fairer and easier for more people to start or grow their families, because we know that for some Victorians this journey isn’t always an easy one.”

The service is supported by Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank, which opened at the Royal Women’s Hospital in 2023.

Victorians looking to start their fertility journey are encouraged to talk to their GP or specialist, as the program has capacity to help more people.