One of Australia’s premier fertility clinics, IVFAustralia, has announced that it will discontinue its partnership with The World Egg and Sperm Bank, a significant international donor bank. This decision, communicated recently to clients, marks the end of all new agreements involving donor eggs sourced from this provider.
A spokesperson explained that the clinic regularly assesses its donor programmes and partnerships, and as a result of this review, they have concluded their arrangements with The World Egg and Sperm Bank. They are now in the process of forging a new collaboration with a different donor supplier. While 9news.com.au has sought comments from The World Egg and Sperm Bank following this decision, it has made it clear that there is no implication of wrongdoing on their part.
The World Egg and Sperm Bank, which is based in the US, began its operations in Australia earlier this year. In an email announcing the significant update to their donor egg program, IVFAustralia expressed understanding for any disappointment clients may feel, particularly those considering this pathway towards parenthood. The clinic aims to assure existing patients involved in arrangements with The World Egg and Sperm Bank that their plans will be honoured and can continue as intended.
IVFAustralia is committed to quickly establishing new donor egg collaborations over the coming months. A spokesperson indicated that the team acknowledges the potential distress this news could cause and emphasised that support is available for patients during this transition. They also encouraged those ready to pursue the egg donor route to explore the clinic’s local donor programs and noted ongoing efforts to recruit new local donors.
The growth of IVF in Australia has been notable, with the number of IVF births significantly increasing over the past four decades. Currently, approximately one in every 16 babies born in Australia is conceived through IVF. As IVFAustralia navigates these changes in its donor egg programme, it remains focused on providing support and alternative pathways for aspiring parents.