Victorians encouraged to become life-makers

268723_01

The state government has launched a new campaign to help Victorians including those in Hume and Whittlesea, start a family through IVF.

The campaign is aimed at increasing the number of egg and sperm donors as part of the state governments Public Fertility Care program.

The egg and sperm bank at the Royal Women’s Hospital is encouraging altruistic donations from Victorians that want to give someone the chance to start or grow their family.

To date more than 2,800 Victorians have commenced their fertility treatment journey through the public program, with more than 140 women falling pregnant.

This funding will support 12 non-government women’s health promotion organisations to raise awareness and improve the delivery of preventative health promotion and education to Victorian women.

Eligible Victorians seeking to access public fertility care – including the use of donated eggs or sperm – will need to be referred by their GP or specialist.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said, “Being an egg or sperm donor is one of the most selfless things anyone can do to help the lives of others – becoming a life maker is going to give more Victorians the chance to have a child and grow a family.”

“Our Australian-first Public Fertility Care is making it fairer, easier and more accessible for hopeful parents to start a family of their own.”

People interested in helping Victorians start their family can visit thewomens.org.au/egg-and-sperm-donate.