Major boost for future parents as first public IVF clinic to open

One state will have a major step forward in support of couples trying to have a baby from tomorrow.

Victorians will be able to access Australia‘s first IVF clinic after it opens in Melbourne on Tuesday, giving hope to many trying to have a baby.

The clinic will be the country’s first to provide free fertility treatment for those struggling to get pregnant.

IVF can cost over $10,000 per cycle.

The clinic will be run by the Royal Women‘s Hospital and Monash Health and will be able to provide services to 4000 people trying to have a baby per 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.

Daniel Andrews has described the move as a “game-changer”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

“IVF can be a game-changer for people who might be struggling to have a child, but too often and for too many, it‘s financially out of reach,” he said.

The clinic has had $70 million allocated to it from the 2021 budget and was a 2018 election promise from the Andrews government.

Around 4000 per year are expected to be treated at the clinic. Picture: iStock

There are hopes that the clinic could be expanded next year, with the Premier pledging to expand its services to 5000 women if re-elected.

That election promise would also include $13.5 million to expand the service to regional areas.

Aside from IVF treatments, fertility preservation, genetic testing, donor and surrogacy services and a public sperm and egg bank will also be available.