New low-cost fertility clinic proves successful in Melbourne

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) services can be beyond the financial means of many couples but a new, low-cost solution is expanding its services in Melbourne.

First Step Fertility is giving those struggling to be parents options at a more affordable rate, which is on average a third of what they would otherwise have to pay.

Dell and Shaun Edmonds are second-time parents to Bodie, who was born through the clinic.

READ MORE: Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid

Their first baby, Darius, was born through IVF eight years ago but it cost the couple $20,000 and they didn't think they would be able to afford another.

Dell said the second time around was "considerably cheaper much more affordable".

"(We) decided we'd just stick to the one because there was no way we were going to be able to save up that amount of money with raising a child as well," she said.

The couple discovered First Step Fertility's Dandenong clinic, which opened in 2021, while a second clinic has opened in Werribee.

READ MORE: Aussie beach town offering a $450k job with free rent and a new 4WD

IVF is partly covered by Medicare but depending on the level of treatment, out-of-pocket costs can be high in Australia.

One in every 18 babies born in Australia is through assisted reproductive technology with the average full-fee cost around $9000.

First Step Fertility is around $2500 out of pocket.

David Wilkinson, a fertility specialist at First Step, said some of the scans were done by nursing staff and then those would be reviewed by a specialist.

"Cheap doesn't mean bad and we're just trying to make it more cost-effective and doing everything we can to maintain high levels of patient care," he said.

The majority of services are bulk billed at First Step Fertility, with cycles overseen by specialists on a roster system.

The simplified model is mainly for couples with common infertility and not for those with complex genetic or medical conditions like severe endometriosis.