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Melbourne IVF’s campaign targeting men to become de-identified (anonymous) sperm donors aims to help hundreds of heterosexual and same sex couples, and single women, have a family of their own – the ultimate gift of life.

Recent media articles highlight various aspects of sperm donation.  It is important for anybody considering becoming a sperm donor, or considering becoming a recipient of a sperm donor, to be aware of the facts.

Last week, the Victorian Law Reform Commission presented its report on Inquiry into access by donor conceived persons to information about donors.  This enquiry specifically addressed the issue of sperm donation prior to 1988 and the anonymity of donors.  One of the recommendations was that all past donors be required to release their identity to the individuals conceived from that donation if requested.

At Melbourne IVF, we believe that the future welfare of the conceived child is central to the facilitation of any donor program.

Significant Scientific discovery: Stem cells in the ovary which continue to create immature eggs throughout adulthood could offer hope in the future for women whose ovaries have been damaged by chemotherapy or those in early menopause.

Today marks 30 years since the birth of Australia's first IVF baby Candice Reed. On this special day, pioneering embryologist Alex Lopata reflects on a brief history of IVF.

In Melbourne, the history of IVF began in 1971 when Professor Carl Wood, the head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Monash University, appointed me to start an IVF program at the Queen Victoria Medical Centre. Before the end of 1971 we started collecting eggs from women and made our first attempts to fertilize human ova in a laboratory set up at the back of my office.