Expanding Diversity in Family Building Through IVF Advances

In 2023, the use of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Australia and New Zealand demonstrated a significant shift towards more inclusive family structures. Data from the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) reveal that one in five IVF cycles were undertaken by single women or female same-sex couples, reflecting a broader understanding of infertility as a condition not limited to heterosexual couples.

The report indicates that a total of 20,417 babies were born via IVF in that year, maintaining a similar figure to the previous year. This accounts for about 1 in every 16 births in Australia and 1 in 27 in New Zealand, with a growing number of cycles performed—over 109,000—marking a 3.6% increase from 2022.

Particularly notable is the rise in IVF use among single women, with their cycles increasing from nearly 9,500 in 2020 to over 15,900 in 2023. Female same-sex couples also saw growth from 3,648 cycles in 2020 to 4,777 in 2023. Experts highlight that the evolving definition of infertility now more inclusively includes individuals facing barriers to biological parenthood based on their relationship status or sexual orientation.

Donor sperm, eggs, and surrogacy arrangements have become key components in facilitating family creation for those without partners or in same-sex partnerships. In 2023, around 60 cycles involved egg or embryo donation aimed at single men or male same-sex couples, with more than 100 births resulting from surrogacy arrangements.

Technological advances continue to shape the field. Fertility preservation techniques, such as egg and embryo freezing, have surged, especially among women choosing to safeguard their future fertility. Nearly 9,000 preservation cycles were conducted in 2023, including a rise in egg freezing for non-medical reasons. Additionally, nearly 10,000 cycles employed preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to enhance embryo selection, with success rates improving notably among women in their early 30s.

Safety measures have also advanced. Australia and New Zealand lead globally in reducing health risks associated with multiple pregnancies by promoting single embryo transfers, resulting in record low multiple birth rates of 2.2%. Success rates of IVF have improved, with nearly 40% of women achieving pregnancy in their first cycle between 2020 and 2021. Use of frozen embryos, now at 40% of cycles, has contributed to higher success outcomes.

Overall, the trends in IVF in these countries point towards more effective, safe, and inclusive reproductive options, catering to a diverse population seeking family-building solutions.