Sarah McBride, a 41-year-old mother of two from Mooroolbark, Victoria, was determined not to let her dream of motherhood slip away. In her mid-30s and single, Sarah decided to start a family on her own, using donor sperm through a fertility clinic. But as someone who was classified as “socially infertile” rather than medically infertile, she was initially ineligible for a Medicare rebate.
“I felt like it was just so unfair and unjust,” Sarah says. “Because I’m choosing not to settle for someone just because time is running out, I have to jump through these extra hoops to become a family.”
Sarah’s path to motherhood was costly. She had to undergo two rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) at full price before qualifying for subsidized in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, last week, the Australian federal health department expanded its definition of infertility. The change now allows solo women and same-sex couples like Sarah to access Medicare rebates for assisted reproductive technologies, including IUI and IVF.
Previously, Medicare rebates were only available after a medical cause of infertility was diagnosed. Now, the expanded definition applies to a broader group, including those who are socially infertile.
“The clinics are applying for the rebate on behalf of the patients,” says Dr. Manuela Toledo, a board member with the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand.
This new policy change came into effect immediately, marking a significant milestone for those navigating fertility treatments. Sarah, who now speaks about her experience as an advocate for solo mothers, shared her journey with us, reflecting on the impact the expanded eligibility would have had on her.
“I was 32 when I started thinking about doing motherhood alone,” Sarah recalls. “The biological clock was ticking. I knew at 35, things would start to drop off.”
A career in childcare had long fueled her desire to become a mother, but it also meant she had to come to terms with the reality of not having the traditional “happily ever after” that she once envisioned. “I had to grieve the dream of happily ever after,” she says.
Once she consulted with a fertility specialist, Sarah was shocked to find out that she wasn’t eligible for the IUI rebate because of her classification as socially infertile. While her friend, a straight woman using donor sperm with her husband, could access IVF treatment with rebates after being deemed medically infertile, Sarah had to pay for two rounds of IUI upfront, costing her $6,000, not including medications.
“I definitely cried,” she admits. “Knowing that I had to jump through extra hoops before I could make decisions about my body was tough.”
Despite the challenges, Sarah continued her journey. After completing the two IUI attempts, she proceeded to IVF, where she eventually succeeded in having her daughter. But the path wasn’t without its setbacks. After experiencing a missed miscarriage with her final embryo, Sarah endured several more IVF cycles, leading to the loss of two embryos, despite genetic testing to prevent future miscarriages.
Reflecting on the changes, Sarah is optimistic for the future. “I feel like it’s such a huge win for solo mums and for same-sex couples. I wish I could have gone straight to IVF and chosen the right donor from the start.”
While Sarah acknowledges there’s still work to be done, particularly regarding egg donors and surrogacy, she sees the Medicare policy shift as a significant victory for the fertility community.
Sarah is an active member of the Australian Solo Mothers by Choice Facebook group, where she advocates for assisted reproductive technology and donor rights.
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