Fertility and family planning is often an important consideration for some people. Whether you are considering your options in the near future, or planning for years down the track, here is some information to get you started. In Victoria, LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples have access to a range of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) options through both public and private healthcare services. These services are designed to support diverse family-building journeys, including those involving donor conception, surrogacy, and fertility preservation.
Public Fertility Care Services
Victoria offers government-funded fertility services aimed at making ART more accessible and affordable. The Public Fertility Care Program provides free access to services such as IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI), fertility preservation, and donor programs. This program is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. The program is available across various locations, including:
- Royal Women’s Hospital
- Monash Health
- Northern Health – Epping Hospital
- Mildura Base Public Hospital
- Bendigo Health
- South West Healthcare – Warrnambool
- Barwon Health – Geelong
- Goulburn Valley Health – Shepparton
- Grampians Health – Ballarat
- Western Health – Sunshine
- Mercy Health – Heidelberg
A referral from a general practitioner or relevant specialist is required to access these services. For further information go to www.health.vic.gov.au
Private Fertility Clinics Supporting LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Rainbow Fertility: Australia’s first dedicated fertility and IVF provider for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering services such as sperm and egg donation, surrogacy arrangements, and fertility preservation.
Genea Fertility: In partnership with the Victorian Pride Centre, Genea offers inclusive fertility services and resources tailored for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. www.genea.com.au
General Support and Resources
1800 My Options: Provides free and confidential information and referrals for sexual and reproductive health services across Victoria, including those tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Thorne Harbour Health: Offers events and resources, such as the “Pathways to Parenthood” series, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in their family-building journeys.
Deb Anthony is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in LGBTQIA+ healthcare, fertility and families. Deb is NOT a medical specialist. Deb provides the following information, based on general publicly available information to assist anyone hitting the web who wants more information. If you believe that you would benefit from exploring your fertility preservation or family planning options, have a look at the below, and contact your GP or any of the specialist services mentioned in this, and the following posts. Deb believes that the information provided is current and accurate t time of uploading, but may change at any time. Deb will not be monitoring updates to legislation, services or access requirements. You will need to do you own leg work to ensure you evaluate and access services and information relevant to your needs.
Deb does not endorse any specific service. The services listed here are commonly cited by colleagues, peers and clients. Deb does not have an experience, opinion or interest in any of the services linked. Deb provides this information simply to help people start navigating their family planning journey.
If you would like to unpack your thoughts and feelings on your current or future family planning journey, Deb is able to provide you with support in clinic (Watsonia) or telehealth.
Recent Comments