Genea Newcastle's Medical Director, Dr Myvanwy McIlveen,CREI, was recently featured in an SBS News article examining the need for more equitable access to fertility treatment in Australia.
The article explores a comprehensive review of Australia's fertility sector, which calls for an expanded definition of infertility to ensure fairer access to assisted reproductive technologies, particularly IVF. Currently, Medicare rebates are generally only available once medical infertility is diagnosed—defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. This definition has been identified as a barrier for LGBTIQA+ couples and single people who cannot conceive naturally but are not deemed "medically infertile."
As an CREI infertility specialist and ANZSREI member, Dr McIlveen has been providing Medicare rebates to same-sex couples for over a decade. She noted that approximately 15 per cent of her patients at Genea Newcastle are now same-sex couples, with this proportion continuing to increase. Dr McIlveen explained that the decision to offer rebates is largely left to providers, stating: "I just don't think that in this day and age that flies," referring to the traditional strict definition of infertility.
The article highlights that earlier this year, Genea clarified its position on equitable access to IVF treatment: "Our position is that anyone who needs ART, not just individuals with a medically infertile diagnosis, is entitled to a Medicare rebate."
The SBS piece features personal accounts from couples who have faced considerable financial barriers, with some spending over $40,000 out of pocket for fertility treatments. The review recommends adopting the recently revised definition from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, which would allow couples to access fertility treatment based on need, irrespective of relationship status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Dr Myvanwy McIlveen
Dr Myvanwy McIlveen is unique in being the only female college certified infertility specialist outside the Sydney metropolitan area in NSW. As Genea Newcastle’s Medical Director, she loves helping couples work towards achieving their family in a way that they feel comfortable with. She offers honest, realistic advice on the choices available to you and helps you to decide what path you take to parenthood.
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