ACCESS Australia’s National Infertility Network, applauds the health professionals providing fertility treatment in Australia following the results of the National Perinatal Statistic Unit’s 2003 report released today, which shows an overall increase in the number of women accessing fertility treatment and a significant reduction in multiple pregnancies.
“Infertility is a medical condition not a choice, and Australia continues to lead the world in fertility treatment, patient care and scientific technology, a fact for which we should all be proud,” said Debbie Jeffrey, Chair, ACCESS, commenting on the Assisted Reproduction Technology in Australia and New Zealand 2003 report.
“Most significant in this report is the reduction in the number of multiple pregnancies which has long been a concern of ACCESS. For although often desirable to a childless couple, apparently multiple pregnancies, triplets or twins for example, pose high medical risks for both mother and babies,” said Ms Jeffrey.
The report indicates that this issue is being addressed by the fertility profession through the conscious reduction in the number of embryos transferred, and that patients have an increasingly higher chance of conception, with less invasive treatments, over fewer cycles,” said Ms Jeffrey.
Couples faced with infertility desire the best possible chance of delivering a healthy baby.
This report reinforces the strength of the clinical decisions between a woman and her specialist. “Success rates for fertility treatments are improving even with a reduction in the number of embryos transferred,” she said.
“It is also encouraging to see the proportion of IVF conceived babies born with low birthweight, significantly reduced,” said Ms Jeffrey.
ACCESS congratulates the fertility specialists, nurses and scientists for the continued clinical and scientific improvements in assisted reproductive technology available in Australia.
“We thank the Federal Government for its continued support for infertile couples, which was reaffirmed so strongly by Minister Costello on New Year’s Day this year. Thank you, on behalf of couples needing fertility assistance, for supporting and securing all of Australia’s family,” said Ms Jeffrey.
“We want people to be able to make wise and informed decisions in consultation with their fertility specialists to maximise their chance of conception, and the health of both mother and baby,” concluded Ms Jeffrey.
Further information:
Debbie Jeffrey, Chair, ACCESS 0404 477 244
Kellie, Governor of ACCESS (Mother of IVF conceived twins and singleton) also available for comment via Debbie Jeffrey.
ACCESS is a consumer based, independent, not for profit organisation, committed to providing whole of life support for women, men and their families suffering from infertility. ACCESS strives to raise community awareness about infertility by being a national voice to bring the social, psychological and financial concerns of couples to governments and the medical and scientific communities. Our Patron is Olympic gold medallist, Glynis Nunn-Cearns OAM. ACCESS serves as lifetime resource for support and information on reproductive health needs. | 
Feb-06 Good News for Couples needing Fertility Treatment
