Calls to IVF specialists skyrocket over fears of further restrictions
Calls about IVF have skyrocketed in the past month as Victoria battles through a new surge of COVID-19 cases, with fears further restrictions could put family’s dreams at-risk.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Women and families considering IVF are rushing to book appointments, fearing their dreams could be put on hold once more as coronavirus cases spike in Victoria.
Melbourne-based IVF clinic No. 1 Fertility saw inquiries double in the last month as the state battles a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
There has also been a rise in the number of women seeking to freeze their eggs with isolation, changing restrictions and general uncertainty prompting the increase.
Specialist Dr Lynn Burmeister said it was vital women continued to have access to IVF during the pandemic.
“Some women are frightened the ban will be reinstated, others have been isolated at home, without children, and decided a baby is something they desperately want,” Dr Burmeister said.
“It’s very, very busy time for IVF – and a lot of it is anxiety as well about the potential for another shut down.
“But also being stuck at home, it has made women want to have babies and put their families first — and some people who might have previously left it to start in September or November are saying ‘why not now?’
Prahran couple Laura Cooney, 37, and Jon Summers, 43, are undergoing their 13th round of IVF, after starting fertility treatment about two years ago.
Ms Cooney said the uncertainty of further restrictions to IVF had made the process even more stressful and isolating.
“We believe that we’re lucky and we’re hopeful and grateful — but it’s been really hard for everyone,” Ms Cooney said.
“If IVF gets cancelled there is no backup – it impacts our life forever.
“It’s not just a matter of it starting again.”
The pair, who both have to have surgery as part of the procedure, said it was frustrating IVF wasn’t viewed as an essential service.
“It’s essential medical care and it’s something that people need,” Ms Cooney said.
“It’s not elective and it has a time limit.”
Dr Burmeister said it was especially important for those in the older age bracket, for which delaying could be devastating.
She said the clinic — which was forced to shut in March after elective surgeries were put on hold — received more than 500 calls in one day when IVF was allowed to begin again in April.
MORE NEWS
HOW TO GET TOP MARKS IN REMOTE LEARNING
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND LOCKDOWNS
40 YEARS SINCE AUSTRALIA’S FIRST ‘MIRACLE’ IVF BABY
Originally published as Calls to IVF specialists skyrocket over fears of further restrictions