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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Lucy Bladen

Labor would establish public IVF clinic in ACT

A low-cost public IVF service in the ACT would be established as Labor promises to explore options to make fertility treatment more affordable.

There is a scoping study under way into a public service in the territory but Labor said they will establish one if re-elected in next month's election.

The party is also promising to provide free baby bundles to first-time parents in the ACT, which would include items and information to support the safety, health and wellbeing of a newborn and their family.

Labor said it would partner with Roundabout Canberra, a local charity supporting families, to deliver the baby bundles.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said a re-elected Labor government would also increase access to evidence-based prenatal and postnatal parenting programs and playgroups.

"Adjusting to a new baby is a very challenging time and it can have a significant impact on the mental health of parents," she said.

"These programs will aim to increase support beyond parents with a first child to parents with diverse needs, parents with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse families."

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

The policies are included as part of a wider package targeted at supporting Canberra families going through pregnancy.

It also includes an early pregnancy and birth centre in the new northside hospital and a pilot birth companion program at the Canberra Hospital.

The Canberra Liberals have promised to pay up to $2000 towards the cost of IVF or other assisted reproductive technology treatments. But this plan could exclude single and same-sex couples as only people deemed medically infertile could access the rebate.

NSW has a similar scheme, allowing residents to submit a claim for a $2000 rebate.

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