NSW women promised better access to IVF

The NSW government has announced a $42 million package to give women greater access to lower-cost IVF treatments and a rebate on pre-screen testing.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian Source: AAP

Thousands of women will have access to cheaper IVF treatments and a rebate on fertility testing as part of a pre-election promise by the NSW government.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the $42 million package on Saturday, saying it would make it easier for couples to have a baby.

Government-supported IVF services - which cost substantially less compared to private clinics - are currently only available at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

That will be expanded to Westmead Hospital and The Royal Hospital for Women, providing access to about 6000 women.

The government, if re-elected, will also provide a rebate up to $500 for pre-screening tests that can determine whether a woman is likely to experience a positive result through IVF.

"I don't want to see anyone in NSW miss out on having a family because they can't afford it," Ms Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

The government also announced a partnership with the University of NSW, for the first statewide fertility preservation service for young cancer patients at The Royal Hospital for Women.

"Our aim is to make NSW the IVF centre for Australia," Health Minister Brad Hazard told reporters.


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Published 9 March 2019 2:52pm
Source: AAP


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