About the PGD Assistance Program
Genea is pleased to support the 'PGD Assistance Program'. This Program has been created by generous donations to provide financial assistance to families in the community who would otherwise be unable to afford Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).
PGD is an advanced screening technique that can determine whether an embryo has a genetic condition, common examples include cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease or muscular dystrophy. Tests for over 170 different genetic conditions have been developed to date. More tests are being developed as required. PGD is most commonly used by couples who are aware of the possibility that their children risk inheriting a serious genetic condition.
The PGD Assistance Program provides couples with financial assistance to access Genea's PGD services.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the PGD Assistance Program applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. Couples must submit an application form providing information about their financial position, information with respect to their medical history and a supporting letter from their healthcare professional familiar with their genetic condition.
As a guide, a couples’ combined income needs to be under $90,000 pa to be eligible for consideration by the Selection Committee for assistance. The Committee will also take into account the value of the couples’ assets.
There are also a number of clinical criteria based on treatment guidelines that applicants must also meet before treatment can be provided.
Smoking has an adverse impact on the quality of sperm and may contribute to miscarriage. Therefore, both partners must be non-smokers. Applicants who meet financial hardship criteria will be invited to re-apply once they have a letter from their GP which confirms that they have stopped smoking.
Additionally, an increased Body Mass Index can also have an adverse affect on the chances of conceiving and if both, or either partner, does not meet the recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) for treatment but meets the financial hardship criteria they will be offered access to the Genea Fertility Fit® Program and will also be re-invited to apply once the have reached the target BMI set by their doctor.
As age plays a significant factor in the chance of having a healthy baby using this type of treatment unfortunately, applicants who are 38 or older at the time of their application cannot be accepted into the Program.
Finally, all candidates selected by the Selection Committee as eligible for support will be seen by a Genea fertility specialist. Treatment will ultimately depend on the Genea fertility specialist’s opinion to proceed to treatment.
The Selection Committee is an independent selection committee which assesses all applications. This committee is comprised of members of the genetic field and the broader community and meets throughout the year.
The PGD Assistance Program exists to support families in our community whose lives are affected by a genetic disease and the associated financial hardship to have the opportunity to consider PGD treatment in their quest to have a healthy baby.