PUBLIC IVF is coming to the Mallee!
On Thursday we received the exciting news that Mildura has been selected by the Victorian Government as one of a handful of regional locations to be a satellite clinic of the Royal Women’s Hospital and Monash Health.
Victoria’s first two “lead” service providers – The Royal Women’s Hospital and Monash Health – will start public IVF services next week.
The regional satellite sites will become fully operational within the next two years.
The Mildura satellite clinic will not conduct the IVF procedure itself but will facilitate all associated appointments including the initial consultation and pathology services.
The public IVF program will save local women up to $10,000 for the service itself, and thousands of dollars in related travel and accommodation costs. This is especially important in a region without a passenger train.
Infertility doesn’t discriminate. It affects families from every demographic.
It is heartbreaking to think how many families have been denied the chance to have a baby simply because they can’t afford it.
It’s not the role of Government to do everything for us, but to level the playing field where it really counts.
That has always meant a well-supported program of public housing, healthcare and education services.
And in a modern society, where the technology is available, I think it’s entirely fair and decent that the state should level the playing field when it comes to fertility services too.
Because for many families, the desire to have a baby is as strong as any other need.
As a Victorian, and as a mother, I am proud that our State has made this step to provide publicly funded IVF services, and I am even prouder that Mildura will be included in its implementation.
The Government has some work to do in relation to our Hospital Masterplan, but its decision on public IVF should be commended.
The rain has been heavy over the last few days, and more baby showers are forecast.
