More women and girls suffering complex medical conditions like cancer will have access to cheaper reproductive care after Queensland became the latest state to announce public funding for fertility treatments.
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The Queensland government has pledged $42.3 million, including $32.1 million to fund public access to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, to help the one in six Australian couples experiencing fertility challenges plan a family.
A further $10.2 million will go towards helping women freeze their eggs and embryos for the future with a statewide fertility preservation service.
Women and girls' sexual and reproductive health are often overlooked aspects of overall wellbeing, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said on Saturday.
"When a significant health issue, such as cancer, impacts a person's fertility, being able to afford access to fertility services should be the last thing Queenslanders need to worry about," Ms Fentiman said.
"By reducing economic barriers and improving access to services closer to home, the Miles Government is creating a more equitable health service for all Queenslanders - no matter their gender."
Counselling services will be made available to couples accessing the treatment, to help ease the mental burden for women and families with fertility challenges.
The Queensland government's announcement comes after Victoria became the first state to offer a public fertility program, including a publicly funded IVF clinic, which opened in October 2022.
Meanwhile, women in NSW can access a $2000 rebate for eligible fertility treatments.
The latest funding boost for Queensland women's health comes after the government on Thursday committed $18.2 million to clinical care and services for endometriosis.
One in six Queensland women will be diagnosed with endometriosis by the age of 40, a condition that causes severe pain in the pelvis and can make it harder to fall pregnant.
The funding will improve access to clinical, surgical and rehabilitation services, peer support groups and scholarships for nurses and physiotherapists to better understand and treat pelvic pain.
Australian Associated Press
