I am calling on the Australian Government to make IVF and reproductive genetic treatment more affordable, accessible, and equitable — especially for single women, people with disabilities, pensioners, and those living in regional Australia.

For many Australians, IVF is not a choice — it is the only pathway to having a biological child. Yet even with Medicare rebates, out-of-pocket costs remain thousands of dollars per cycle, and significantly more when multiple rounds or genetic testing are required. These financial barriers place parenthood out of reach for many individuals who deeply want a family.

This issue is deeply personal to me.

I live with hereditary spastic paraparesis, a genetic neurological condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Like many people with inherited conditions, I want the opportunity to have a child without passing this condition on to the next generation. Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) can help make this possible — yet the additional costs place it beyond reach for many who need it most.

Preventing serious hereditary conditions is not cosmetic or optional — it is responsible, preventative healthcare. It reduces long-term medical burden, emotional strain, and financial pressure on families and the healthcare system, while improving quality of life for future generations.

As a single woman living on a disability pension, I also face structural barriers to accessing treatment. Some clinics do not provide treatment to single women, while others are not affiliated with sperm banks — meaning access can depend heavily on postcode and clinic availability. In my region, only one clinic was accessible to me.

Access to reproductive healthcare should never depend on relationship status, income, disability, or where someone lives.

No one should be forced to choose between financial stability and the chance to become a parent.

We call on the Australian Government to:

• Reduce out-of-pocket IVF costs across Australia

• Provide greater subsidies for pensioners, single parents, and low-income individuals

• Ensure equitable IVF access regardless of relationship status or disability

• Improve fertility treatment access in regional and rural areas

• Expand Medicare coverage for fertility treatment and associated medical costs

• Make pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for hereditary conditions affordable or fully funded where medically appropriate

Parenthood should not be reserved for the wealthy or the partnered.

It is time for reproductive healthcare in Australia to become fair, inclusive, and accessible for all.

I am not asking for special treatment — I am asking for fair access for all.

Everyone deserves the chance to build a family, regardless of income, disability, or relationship status.

Please stand with me and help make IVF accessible for all Australians.