Fertility First

What Australia’s donor sperm shortage means for those hoping to build a family

Adrian Abrate — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:35:08 +0000

For many people, donor sperm provides an opportunity to build the family they have always hoped for. While donor conception has helped many individuals and couples achieve parenthood, limited donor availability, lengthy waiting times and varying state regulations are making this pathway increasingly challenging across Australia.

A recent 7NEWS Spotlight investigation explored Australia’s donor sperm shortage and how current regulations are affecting people pursuing donor conception. The report featured intended parents, donor-conceived adults, fertility specialists and legal experts, including Fertility First Medical Director Dr Anne Clark, who shared her perspective on the challenges facing patients and fertility clinics.

The investigation also examined the impact these shortages are having on intended parents, including concerns that some may feel they have little choice but to consider private donor arrangements outside the regulated fertility system.

Why is donor sperm becoming harder to access?

Australia has strict regulations governing sperm donation. These measures are designed to protect donors, recipients and donor-conceived people while supporting ethical donor conception practices.

The Spotlight investigation explained that payment for donated sperm, eggs and embryos has been prohibited in Australia since 2002. Anonymous sperm donation has also been phased out, allowing donor-conceived people to access identifying information about their donor once they reach adulthood.

There are also limits on the number of families that can be created using sperm from one donor. These limits vary between Australian states, with the report noting a five-family limit in New South Wales and a ten-family limit in Queensland.

One of the key issues explored in the program was a recent clarification in New South Wales, where the five-family limit is applied worldwide rather than only within the state. This means that if an overseas donor has already helped create five families elsewhere, clinics in New South Wales may no longer be able to use that donor’s sperm, even if it has already been imported and stored.

Dr Anne Clark said these restrictions have significantly affected donor sperm availability through regulated fertility clinics. During the investigation, she described how difficult it can be to support patients when donor sperm may be available, but current regulations prevent treatment from proceeding.

She also expressed concern that if donor sperm becomes increasingly difficult to access through regulated fertility clinics, some intended parents may decide to stop treatment, travel overseas or seek private donors instead.

The impact on people hoping to build a family

The investigation shared the experiences of Australians whose journeys highlight the challenges created by donor sperm shortages.

Anna Robertson had always hoped to become a parent within a relationship. As she approached 39, she decided to pursue parenthood independently and joined a donor sperm waiting list through a fertility clinic.

She expected there would be a wide range of donors to choose from but soon discovered donor sperm was much harder to access than she had anticipated. Anna was able to select a Danish donor through an Australian fertility clinic before the newer restrictions came into effect and later became pregnant. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed concern about the limited options now facing others beginning their donor conception journey.

The report also featured Tessa and Riley, who began exploring donor sperm after Tessa froze her eggs. They were surprised to learn that waiting for an Australian donor could take several years, highlighting how many people only become aware of donor shortages once they begin planning treatment.

These experiences show how limited donor availability can add further uncertainty to an already emotional family-building journey.

Why are some people considering private donors?

The investigation also explored concerns that donor shortages and lengthy waiting periods may encourage some intended parents to consider private donor arrangements through online groups and social media.

For people facing limited donor availability, private donation may appear to offer a quicker alternative. However, the report highlighted important differences between regulated fertility clinics and private donor arrangements.

Regulated fertility care may include medical screening, counselling, formal record keeping and requirements relating to the number of families created using each donor. Private arrangements may not provide the same safeguards or oversight.

The report also shared Veronica England’s experience of seeking a donor through an online group after years of trying to become a mother. She had planned to pursue artificial insemination but said she later felt pressured into circumstances she had not originally agreed to.

Her experience highlights some of the risks that may arise when intended parents feel they have limited options outside regulated fertility services.

Why screening and donor records matter

The Spotlight investigation also explored why regulated donor programs include safeguards such as medical screening, counselling and record keeping.

One example featured in the report involved an overseas sperm donor who unknowingly carried a genetic mutation associated with an increased cancer risk. According to the investigation, around 200 children were conceived using the donor’s sperm before the condition was identified. The report used this example to highlight the importance of medical screening, donor records and traceability in donor conception.

The investigation also featured donor-conceived adults who spoke about discovering they had far more half-siblings than they had expected. Their experiences highlighted the lifelong impact donor conception can have and the importance of maintaining accurate records and appropriate family limits.

Looking ahead

The Spotlight investigation also examined whether Australia’s current donor sperm regulations are achieving the right balance between protecting donor-conceived people and ensuring intended parents have access to donor sperm through regulated fertility clinics.

The report highlighted that donor regulations differ between Australian states and territories and explored calls for a more consistent national approach to donor conception.

Dr Anne Clark was among the experts who discussed the need for ongoing conversations about Australia’s donor sperm framework. She questioned whether current restrictions may have unintended consequences if they encourage some intended parents to seek private donor arrangements outside the regulated fertility system.

While the investigation did not suggest there is a simple solution, it highlighted the importance of balancing access to donor sperm with the safeguards designed to protect donors, recipients and donor-conceived people.

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Donor sperm shortage and huge price increases put strain on women’s pregnancy plans

Adrian Abrate — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:29:14 +0000

Donor sperm availability is becoming increasingly constrained across Australia, with supply restrictions and cost barriers impacting individuals pursuing fertility treatment. These pressures are influencing family planning decisions and treatment timelines nationwide.

Dr Anne Clark offers a Fertility Specialist’s perspective on the factors driving donor access constraints and the implications for patients navigating their fertility journey.

Click here to read the full article

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Changes to NSW Government Fertility Rebate

Adrian Abrate — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:30:55 +0000

The NSW Government will be making changes to their Fertility Treatment Rebate program. We want to ensure you have taken advantage of the rebate opportunity if you’re eligible, and support you through the submission process before the upcoming changes.

New Means Testing Requirement

From 19 February 2025, the $2,000 rebate will be means tested. Patients must have an annual household income of $116,000 or less and meet other eligibility criteria.

Current Program Deadline

The final deadline for applications under the existing rebate program is 4 March, 2025 and is eligible for treatments between 1 October 2022 and 18 February 2025.

Click here for further information about the new rebate program available.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the completion of the rebate application form in relation to your treatment.

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Fertility ‘clinic of the year’ 2024 and 2025

Adrian Abrate — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 03:58:33 +0000

Fertility First, located in Hurstville, has been awarded ‘Fertility Clinic of the Year’ at the Australian Surrogacy and Donor Awards for two consecutive years – 2024 and 2025. Since its establishment in 1997, the clinic has developed one of Australia’s largest banks of diverse donor sperm and eggs. The team at Fertility First maintains their dedication to providing immediate, cost-effective fertility treatments. The clinic distinguishes itself by operating without waitlists, enabling patients to commence their fertility journey as soon as they are ready.

Celebrating Consecutive Years of Excellence

The 2024 award recognised Fertility First’s pioneering 20-year commitment to maintaining 30-40 culturally diverse donors and achieving exceptional clinical outcomes under Dr Anne Clark’s leadership. Building on this foundation, the 2025 win celebrated the clinic’s continued innovation, expanding to include diverse donors, establishing exclusive partnerships with Egg Bank Asia and Central IVF for international donor egg services, and broadening inclusivity to serve women of all ages, male same-sex couples, and single men. Together, these consecutive awards affirm Fertility First’s position as Australia’s leader in donor services, consistently setting new benchmarks whilst maintaining over 25 years of immediate donor access unmatched in the Australian fertility sector.

Read the 2024 full article here

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Pre-pregnancy preparation checklist: Ensuring a healthy start to your journey towards conception

Adrian Abrate — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 02:34:09 +0000

Preparing for pregnancy allows you and your partner to optimise your health and improve fertility, minimise potential risks, and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Here are some key things you can do before getting pregnant:

1. Monitor your menstrual cycle

Tracking your menstrual cycle is important to help you determine the optimal timing for conception. Keep a record of when your period begins and ends. Note any symptoms you experience during your menstruation, such as cramping, headache, breast tenderness, and even mood swings. It is also helpful to learn the signs of ovulation, such as clear cervical mucus, breast tenderness, and an increase in basal body temperature.

2. Schedule a preconception check-up

One of the crucial first steps is to visit your GP for a preconception health check-up. During this visit, your Doctor will review your medical history, run some tests, such as antenatal blood tests, complete blood count, and cervical screening test, as well as address any concerns and provide guidance.

3. Understand your family’s genetic history

If you, your partner, or close relatives have a history of birth defects or inherited medical conditions, there may be an increased chance of having a baby with similar challenges. Inform your healthcare provider about your family’s genetic history, as they may recommend a consultation with a genetic specialist. Meeting with a genetic specialist allows you to discuss screening options, potential risks, and prenatal diagnoses and interventions.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

To increase your chances of conception, it’s important to make certain lifestyle changes that can help improve your fertility. Here are some tips that you and your partner should consider:

Maintain a healthy, balanced diet: Consuming healthy foods is essential for your overall health, especially during pregnancy. Staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water each day is also important.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the DNA in eggs and sperm, making it more difficult to conceive. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your fertility.
Avoid body-building steroids: Anabolic steroid use, including testosterone, can suppress sperm production. Additionally, recreational drug use should be avoided, as it can negatively impact natural fertility.
Moderate alcohol consumption: If you and your partner are trying to conceive, it is advisable to adhere to safe drinking guidelines, limiting alcohol intake to no more than 2 standard drinks per day. Once pregnancy is achieved, abstain from alcohol completely as there is no known safe amount during pregnancy.
Take folic acid: Folic acid plays a crucial role in fetal health and development and can help reduce the risk of birth defects like cleft lip, cleft palate, and spina bifida. It is recommended to start taking folic acid at least one month before conception. Consult your GP for further advice on pre-pregnancy supplements.
Get regular exercise: Staying physically active while trying to conceive offers numerous benefits. Exercise helps maintain an optimal weight, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being throughout pregnancy. It is recommended to engage in at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week.
Eat healthy foods: Eating healthy, iron rich foods are proven to help with fertility. If you need help, we recommend you reach out to a Dietician or Naturopath to help you develop a pre-pregnancy food plan.

5. Plan your budget

Starting a family comes with financial responsibilities, it’s important to assess your financial situation. Some of the things to keep in mind when planning your budget include fertility appointment cost, prenatal services cost, child care services, your insurance coverage, and financial aid options.

If you have been trying to conceive naturally for over 12 months and are under the age of 35, or for 6 months and are over the age of 35 and have not fallen pregnant, it might be time to consider speaking with a fertility specialist. If you would like to get more information about your initial fertility consultation or book an appointment at our fertility clinic in Sydney, our team here at Fertility First would be happy to accommodate.

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Testing for sperm DNA damage

Adrian Abrate — Wed, 03 May 2023 00:05:59 +0000

Fertility First has been testing DNA damage on males for over 15 years and is a contributing factor as to why our pregnancy rates are so positive.

A recent article attempts to explain why male fertility rates have been steadily declining over recent decades.

“The decline in male fertility continues to accelerate. But the cause remained largely unknown. Now researchers believe they have an insight into what damage is being done to sperm, and by what.

The concentration of active sperm in male semen has collapsed by more than 50 per cent over the past 50 years. And that decline has only accelerated since the turn of the century.

About one in six couples experience infertility problems.

It impacts men and women equally. But, in 30 per cent of all cases, no cause can be found.”

Read the full article here.

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$2,000 Fertility Treatment Rebate

Adrian Abrate — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 01:23:08 +0000

The NSW Government announced on the 1st October 2022 that patient’s undertaking reproductive treatment from 1st October 2022 and who have incurred an out of pocket expense from the treatment provided, can claim up to $2000 from 1st January 2023.

Below is information regarding the rebate criteria and how to apply.

To be eligible for the rebate you must:

Be a NSW resident
Be a woman who has undergone fertility treatment in a private clinic and have incurred an out-of-pocket cost for the treatment
Have received treatment from a provider accredited by the Reproductive Treatment Accreditation Committee (RTAC) of the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Society of Australia

The fertility treatment rebate includes out-of-pocket costs for women and men; however, only women can lodge the claim.

How much is the rebate?
Eligible applicants may receive up to $2,000, depending on the out-of-pocket cost incurred during their treatment. The rebate amount received will be equal to the total out-of-pocket cost stated on the invoice(s) or other documentation provided as proof of fertility treatment, up to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant.

Which treatments does the rebate cover?
The rebate will cover fertility treatment as defined by the ART Act 2007. This includes artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer and any related treatment or procedure that is prescribed by the regulations. Speak to your fertility specialist about which treatment or procedure is right for you, and its eligibility under the ART Act 2007.

Can one claim include multiple treatments?
Yes. You can include multiple treatments in your rebate claim. The rebate amount received will be equal to the total out-of-pocket cost incurred for the treatment(s), up to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant. If the total out-of-pocket cost is greater than $2,000, you will receive the maximum rebate amount of $2,000. If the total out-of-pocket cost is less than $2,000, you will receive a rebate for the exact cost incurred.

How many times can I apply for the rebate?
If the out-of-pocket cost for your ART is less than $2,000 in your first application, you may submit a second application for the remaining amount.
If I receive this rebate, am I still eligible for the Pre-IVF Testing Rebate?
Yes, these are two separate rebates. Receiving the Pre-IVF Testing Rebate will not disqualify you from applying for the fertility treatment rebate.

When will I be able to claim the rebate?
The new rebate will open 1 January 2023. Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from 1 October 2022 will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens. The rebate is available until 1 October 2026, or until the available funds are exhausted. You can only apply for the rebate once.

How will I apply for the rebate?
Rebate claims will be submitted through the Service NSW website. Details on how to claim will be released closer to the launch of the scheme on 1 January 2023.

Are there any exclusions to the rebate?

The rebate is not available to patients:

with an out of pocket cost associated with publicly supported lower cost IVF treatment
for the sole purpose of fertility preservation
who have not incurred an out-of-pocket cost.

This rebate also does not apply to the storage of eggs, ovarian tissue or sperm for the sole purpose of fertility preservation. Fertility preservation for patients with a medical need are able to access the state-wide fertility preservation service at no cost to them.

What documentation will I need to keep for when the rebate opens on 1 January 2023?
You will need proof of an out-of-pocket cost incurred for fertility treatment at a private clinic. This may be an invoice or receipt of payment from the clinic. Details on how to claim this rebate will be released closer to the launch of the scheme on 1 January 2023.

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Why is PCOS so common?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 22:22:03 +0000

PCOS is almost as common as endometriosis, however due to the increased availability of diets riddled with concentrated sugars and trans fats in our general population as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and environmental toxins, insulin resistance is a key contributor to the disorder.

Although insulin resistance affects between 50-70% in patients with PCOS, not all patients will be affected by this, however they will still suffer from PCOS. PCOS requires a diagnosis involving blood tests, ultrasounds, and a history of irregular periods.

In some circumstances, patients with PCOS may not develop cysts on their ovaries, whereas some women who do not have the disorder do develop cysts.

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Can exercise help with PCOS?

Jesse Flintoff — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 23:01:02 +0000

Positive lifestyle changes such as incorporating regular exercise has been shown to improve fertility and increase metabolic rates in patients with PCOS.

Studies have shown that a weight loss of even 5-10% had huge benefits for reproductive outcomes. Up to approximately 30mins of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, including high intensity interval training, walking, yoga or pilates, or any form of aerobic exercise has been shown to help women restore ovulation cycles and be an effective tool in managing infertility due to PCOS.

Regulating insulin levels helps lower the elevated testosterone levels that are typically higher than normal in patients with PCOS, and will also assist in reducing the risk of other testosterone-related symptoms such as hirsutism, acne and in some instances, hair loss.

Additionally, exercise has been shown to help reduce stress, which has also had direct associations with symptoms caused by PCOS.

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What is involved with an embryo transfer?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:51:46 +0000

An embryo transfer is a crucial step in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. It’s a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure where a healthy embryo, created in a lab, is transferred into the woman’s uterus. This article will guide you through what to expect on the day of your embryo transfer, offering tips for a smooth experience.

Before the Transfer:

Consultation: Your doctor will discuss the details of the transfer with you, including the number of embryos to be transferred and the timing based on your menstrual cycle.
Preparation: You might be prescribed medications like progesterone to prepare the lining of your uterus for implantation.

The Day of the Transfer:

Arrival: Follow the clinic’s instructions regarding arrival time and what to bring. Remember to bring your Fertility First Matcher card.
Comfort: Wear comfortable clothing and avoid strong perfumes or deodorants, as harsh chemicals can negatively impact the embryo.
Full Bladder: Having a full bladder helps visualize the uterus during the ultrasound, which guides the embryo placement. Aim to drink plenty of water beforehand, as instructed by your doctor. We suggest drinking 2-3 glasses of water 30min before your transfer.
Childcare: If you have young children, please arrange childcare ahead of time or bring a responsible adult to look after them during the procedure.

After the embryo transfer procedure it is perfectly safe to go to the toilet and walk around, in fact it is encouraged for women who have had an embryo transfer to stand up straight afterwards and continue with their normal activities. Studies have shown that bed rest after an embryo transfer is not only unnecessary, but it’s possible it also can have a detrimental effect.

By understanding the embryo transfer process and following your doctor’s instructions, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember, the fertility clinic team is there to support you every step of the way on your fertility journey.

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