Starting a family looks different for everyone, and at Genea, that is precisely the point. For LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples considering fertility treatment, the concern about being judged or misunderstood is real, and it is something the team at Genea takes seriously.
Dr Chandrika Parmar, fertility specialist at Genea's East Melbourne clinic, is clear about the clinic's approach: no assumptions, no pressure, and no one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Every patient has their own dedicated doctor and care team throughout the entire process, and that continuity matters deeply, particularly for those navigating what can be a complex and emotionally charged journey.
Genea offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to different family structures. For same-sex female couples, options include IUI, IVF, and reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy. For same-sex male couples, Genea supports the process of securing an egg donor and arranging surrogacy, which is legal in Australia. Single people are also supported, whether pursuing independent parenthood or exploring fertility preservation through egg or sperm freezing.
Genetic counselling is available throughout, helping patients understand test results, identify potential genetic health risks, and navigate their options with confidence.
For Melbourne mum Jenny, the experience of building her family through Genea was transformative. Having two daughters with her partner, each carrying one child, Jenny credits the inclusive and culturally sensitive care she received as central to getting through a challenging process. She encourages anyone thinking about starting a rainbow family to simply take that first step and reach out.
In a welcome development, the federal government recently expanded the definition of infertility to allow LGBTQIA+ couples and single people to access Medicare rebates for ART treatments including IUI and IVF, with the change taking effect immediately.
Dr Chandrika Parmar
Dr. Chandrika Parmar, an esteemed gynaecologist, and infertility specialist, is renowned for her compassionate and patient-centric approach to fertility care. With a philosophy rooted in holistic and personalised treatment, Dr. Parmar is committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient. Her extensive experience and dedication to her patients have made her a trusted name in the field of reproductive medicine.
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