IVF Australia Canberra clinic closure

IVF Australia has announced the closure of its Deakin clinic in Canberra, effective December 16. The facility serves as a primary treatment hub for patients in several regional areas, including Goulburn, the Southern Highlands, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Griffith, and the Snowy Mountains.

The closure follows the departure of two specialist doctors who joined a different provider. A company spokesperson stated that efforts to find new specialists or alternative premises were unsuccessful. Patients currently undergoing treatment can complete final embryo transfers until December 21.

The decision has created uncertainty for families seeking reproductive assistance. ACT Health Minister Marisa Paterson noted the closure would likely cause “distress and uncertainty” for those navigating fertility treatments.

Regarding biological material, clients have until December 16 to arrange alternative storage for embryos, eggs, and sperm. While IVF Australia will continue to store these materials at other locations until instructed otherwise, the company stated it would only facilitate the export of remaining donor sperm to another clinic if an upcoming frozen embryo transfer is successful. If a transfer fails, the company will not permit the transfer of donor sperm to another provider, though it has offered to review reimbursement options for unused donor sperm.