Latest news with #IVF
ABC News
9 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Debate grows over Australia's surrogacy laws as couples go overseas to find a baby
For Daniel and Michael Montgomery-Morgan, becoming parents wasn't easy. It took four years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring their daughter Spencer into the world. "We really questioned whether we're meant to be parents. It's not a quick process," Daniel said. Spencer, now seven months old, was born via a surrogate in Canada. "We didn't expect it would take us four years to have Spencer in our arms. [There were] lots of different things that we needed to do to accommodate the financial aspect of it." After initially looking in Australia, the couple had to go abroad to find their surrogate. "Unfortunately, we had three failed transfers, so we had to start again after two years of trying to have a baby," Michael said. He said there were multiple times when they wished their surrogate was in Australia. "When you're going through such an emotional journey … it's human nature to want to connect," Michael said. "That was a challenge for us and that's what was missing with us not being able to do this like we wanted to in Australia." For Bendigo couple Josh Paredes and Michael Vallejos, their one-year-old surrogate baby Elijah Miguel Parades-Vallejos was a miracle. "Elijah is the love of our life. He is the blessing from above. We are very thankful," Mr Vallejos said. Some of the Filipino couple's gratitude is for close friend Helyn Joy Lagman, who offered to carry their baby after one round of IVF. "We initially thought she was joking, so we ignored it. It took her three offers, then we thought, oh, she is actually serious," Mr Vallejos said. Ms Lagman already had two children of her own and said surrogacy was something she had always wanted to do and had offered to others. "I really wanted to bring something good to the world," she said. A growing number of Australian couples are going overseas to find a surrogate. According to the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database, 131 surrogacy babies were born in Australia and New Zealand in 2022. People working in the sector say the number could be higher. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 361 children born through international surrogacy arrangements acquired Australian citizenship in 2023-24, up from 222 in 2021-22. In Australia, commercial surrogacy — when a surrogate is paid — is illegal. Every state and territory has different laws relating to surrogacy but they all allow altruistic surrogacy, which means the surrogate's expenses are covered but no other profit or payment is made. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the United States is the most popular country for Australian couples to source surrogates, followed by Georgia, Canada, Colombia, Ukraine and Mexico. The Australian Law Review Commission is reviewing the nation's surrogacy laws and will consider how to reduce barriers to domestic altruistic surrogacy arrangements in Australia. Surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford believes commercial surrogacy should be allowed in Australia. "Everyone else is paid, including the lawyers, the counsellors and the clinicians," she said. Ms Jefford, who has been a surrogate, wants Australia's "patchwork" surrogacy laws managed under federal legislation. "I think uniform laws are crucial for making it more accessible but also making sure we don't have medical tourism within our own country," she said. However, some researchers and legal groups believe commercial surrogacy is unethical. Margaret Somerville, a professor of bioethics and law at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, has researched surrogacy for decades. She said allowing commercial surrogacy in Australia would inevitably lead to exploitation. "The women who become a surrogate, they'll do it because they need the money," she said. In 2023, at a surrogacy clinic in Greece used by Australians, police arrested senior staff on charges of human trafficking, falsifying records and mistreating hundreds of women who had agreed to act as surrogates. Ten years earlier, commercial surrogacy laws in India were reversed after the discovery of so-called baby farms where 100 women were housed together for the duration of their pregnancies. A snap ban on commercial surrogacy was announced in Cambodia in 2016, resulting in the arrest of Australian nurse Tammy Davis-Charles and two Khmer associates. Ms Somerville acknowledges growing demand for surrogates, but fears introducing commercial surrogacy to Australia would put vulnerable women and children at further risk. "It's like slavery," she said. The Australian Law Reform Commission's (ALRC) review is considering issues like the complexity of surrogacy arrangements, inconsistencies in legislation and barriers to accessing surrogacy and gaining Australian citizenship for babies born abroad. This month, Queensland police confirmed they would not lay charges against a Brisbane couple who entered a $140,000 commercial surrogacy arrangement with an overseas company. Inquiries into the regulation and legislation of international and domestic surrogacy arrangements, including a 2016 House of Representatives standing committee, recommended commercial surrogacy remain illegal. New South Wales and South Australian reviews in 2018 also supported continued prohibition. The ALRC is taking submissions for its review of surrogacy laws until mid-July. The Montgomery-Morgans would love to see surrogacy become more accessible in Australia so more couples can become parents. "I think commercial surrogacy does have a place, with the right governance and controls," Daniel said. But they would want safeguards to prevent exploitation. "I would hate to see people exploited," he said. "There is a real risk of that."
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A new AI breakthrough helped one couple get pregnant after 19 years—here's what it could mean for others
For nearly 19 years, Rosie and her husband tried to grow their family. Their journey spanned 15 IVF cycles, countless doctor visits, and emotional highs and lows that left them exhausted but still hopeful. Each attempt came with the quiet ache of disappointment. Still, they held onto their dream. In March 2025, something changed. Doctors at Columbia University Fertility Center helped the couple achieve what had always felt just out of reach—a successful pregnancy. What made the difference wasn't a new medication or procedure, but a scientific advance that sounded almost improbable: artificial intelligence. A novel AI-powered tool, developed by a team led by Dr. Zev Williams, found what doctors had never been able to detect in her husband's semen sample—viable sperm. That discovery led to the first pregnancy in the world using this new technology. Fertility care has long focused on women, despite male factors contributing to nearly 40% of infertility cases. Azoospermia—a condition where no sperm are found in the ejaculate—is among the most challenging to treat. Even with advanced microscopes, sperm can be nearly impossible to detect, and options are often limited to surgery or donor sperm. For many couples, especially those with religious or cultural reasons to avoid donor conception, that leaves few alternatives. This gap in care reflects deeper assumptions in reproductive medicine, where male fertility is often underexamined. The system, called STAR, is designed specifically to help address cases of azoospermia in a noninvasive and sperm-preserving way—offering a long-overdue shift in how male infertility is approached. Related: The Truth about Men's Infertility To tackle azoospermia, researchers at Columbia University developed a system called STAR (Sperm Track and Recovery). It uses artificial intelligence and a microfluidic chip to scan millions of microscopic images, identifying and isolating rare sperm that would otherwise go unnoticed. If sperm are detected, the system isolates and collects them—gently enough for use in IVF. In tests, STAR found dozens of sperm in samples that human embryologists had spent days analyzing without success. The inspiration came from astronomy, where AI helps spot new stars in a sky full of noise. Here, the system scans semen samples with similar precision. When STAR detects sperm, it diverts that tiny portion for collection—preserving viable cells for fertilization. In one early test, embryologists spent two days combing through a sample without success. STAR found 44 sperm in under an hour. It's opening doors for couples who were once told they had no options—offering more than just speed. This marks the first reported case where AI has been used not only to detect sperm in complex samples, but also to physically recover them for use in fertility treatment—offering new hope to families who previously had few or no options. Related: It's time to stop calling infertility a women's health issue For nearly two decades, Rosie and her husband dreamed of starting a family. After 15 unsuccessful IVF cycles and years of searching for answers, they were told that her husband's azoospermia left them with few options beyond using donor sperm—something they weren't ready to accept. Then they heard about STAR. Through a community group, Rosie connected with Dr. Zev Williams' team and learned about the new AI technology. For the first time, there was a tool that could potentially find viable sperm in a noninvasive, chemical-free way. That was enough to give them the courage to try one more cycle. This time, STAR found sperm—enough to fertilize Rosie's eggs. Just days later, she got the call she never thought she'd receive: she was pregnant. Now four months along, she says she still wakes up in disbelief. But the scans are real—and so is her baby. Related: The powerful documentary 'One More Shot' captures infertility on film like never before The success of STAR marks a technological milestone and signals a new frontier in understanding and treating infertility. Traditionally, couples facing azoospermia had few options beyond donor sperm. Now, STAR offers a potential path forward by making it possible to locate and retrieve even extremely rare sperm without damaging them. Here's what STAR could mean for the future of fertility care: Faster, more precise sperm selection: STAR scans millions of frames per hour, identifying and isolating viable sperm in real time. Expanded options for couples facing male-factor infertility: The technology may help those who were previously told they had no viable options. Less reliance on invasive or costly procedures: By improving sperm detection, STAR could reduce the need for more aggressive interventions. A shift in how infertility is approached clinically: STAR's success could signal a broader rethinking of diagnostic and treatment pathways. Potential to democratize access to advanced fertility care: As the technology becomes more scalable, it may increase availability and affordability. As Dr. Zev Williams explains, this AI doesn't replace the human touch; it extends it. With STAR, the goal is to give couples facing daunting odds a better chance—something that's long felt out of reach. AI is quietly transforming the way fertility challenges are understood and treated. Tools like STAR aren't science fiction—they're already helping families who've spent years navigating heartbreak and uncertainty. By spotting what even the most skilled eyes can miss, AI is opening new doors in cases that once seemed hopeless. For parents and parents-to-be, this isn't just about technology—it's about renewed possibility. As research continues, innovations like STAR could offer more families the chance to grow, with less guesswork and more hope.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The embarrassing symptom women are told is just 'part of being pregnant' was a sign of a silent killer. Thank god I listened to my gut or I might not be here
Sally Lewer, 36, from Melbourne, was overjoyed to be expecting her third child - a long-awaited IVF baby she was carrying as a solo mum by choice. Having already navigated two pregnancies, Sally felt confident and prepared for what lay ahead.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Georgia Kousoulou shares emotional post about having hers and Tommy Mallet's baby girl Gigi, eight months, alongside son Brody, three, at their wedding after 'lows'
Georgia Kousoulou has shared an emotional post about the 'dream moment' of having her baby girl Gigi at her wedding to husband Tommy Mallet. The TOWIE stars tied the knot in a lavish second wedding in sunny Majorca, Spain, last week, joined by their children Brody, three, and Gigi, eight months. But taking to Instagram on Thursday, Georgia, who underwent IVF, shared a candid post about why it meant so much to have baby Gigi there. Just a month after Gigi was born, the newborn was rushed to hospital where she stayed for several days after being diagnosed with bronchitis - inflammation of the airways in the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. The birth of Gigi came just over a year after Georgia suffered a devastating miscarriage at 12 weeks in 2023. Referencing the 'lows' the family had been through, Georgia shared a collection of stunning snaps of herself in her wedding dress while holding baby Gigi. She wrote: 'A moment I have dreamt of & I will never forget .. If you have followed our journey you will know how much these pictures mean to me… 'Pushing our wedding back, going through the lows .. all was worth it for this moment right here .. I knew it, I believed so hard I was supposed to be getting married with my beautiful brody by my side but our beautiful Gigi too.. 'Matching dresses .. what dreams are really made of. Thank you god. Dr Rehan salim.. I will always be grateful for you.' The couple spared no expense for their 'dream' second wedding and they shared a first look at their picture-perfect day on Instagram. Georgia dazzled in a breathtaking white gown and Tommy cutting a stylish figure in a tailored beige suit. They wrote: '20.06.2025. Our Dream wedding finally happened... 'Best day of our lives. Surrounded by so much love. Can not wait to get all of our pictures & videos back to show you how incredible it was.' With sun-soaked backdrops, designer touches and a guest list full of familiar faces, the celebration oozed glamour – and fans won't have to miss out, as the couple teased: '& you'll be able to watch it all.' She wrote: 'A moment I have dreamt of & I will never forget .. If you have followed our journey you will know how much these pictures mean to me…' To top it all off, the big day fell on Georgia's birthday, making the luxurious celebration all the more unforgettable. The couple were joined by their adorable children, Brody, four, and Gigi, just seven months, as they celebrated their big day surrounded by loved ones. TOWIE stars Chloe Ross, Sam Mucklow, and Danielle Armstrong were also among those on the star- studded guest list. Wedding guests including Shelby Tribble took to Instagram to share photographs from the special day as they gave an insight into the party. She shared photos of the extravagant outdoor dinner setup, revealing a sprawling U-shaped table draped in crisp white linens and adorned with an array of pink-hued flowers in varying shades. Adding to the luxury, several chandeliers hung overhead the table, creating a breathtaking canopy of glamour. She also posted a snap of their wedding 'newspaper', which featured a glamorous photo of the couple on the front page. Adding a playful touch, each guest received a 'But Did You Die?' recovery kit - the perfect remedy for any sore heads the morning after the lavish celebrations. The newlyweds certainly pulled out all the stops for the special day and also provided guests with small bottles reading: 'We've tied the knot so take a shot!' Shelby also shared a gorgeous snap of her posing alongside bride Georgia as well as photographs of her posing with her partner Sam Mucklow. She looked as glamorous as ever in a frilled blue dress while Sam looked suave in a sand suit as they soaked up the sun on the big day. Cara De La Hoyde also posted a sweet video of herself and her husband Nathan Massey cuddling up to one another as they celebrated their friends' union. For the day, Cara cut a glamorous figure in a show-stopping yellow sequin gown with a plunging back design, while Nathan looked suave in a grey suit. Taking to Instagram, she penned in a caption: 'The most beautiful day to celebrate the most beautiful couple. ThankYou & for letting us be part of it.' Georgia stressed that the wedding was very much the product of her own imagination and her husband had minimal involvement. She told OK!: 'I ask him for his opinions, but honestly, I don't want him to get involved. It's my thing. I want him to be shocked, like, 'Wow, this is amazing!''. The couple's first official wedding in December 2023 was a much more low-key affair and ended with a humble Chinese takeaway. Georgia told The Sun about the nuptials at the time: 'We came back to mine and had a Chinese. It was unreal. It is so me and Tommy. 'I literally got back, got my PJs on straight away and we had a Chinese. 'The best bit about it was that we hired tables. So we had a top table…And we all just stuffed our faces with Chinese … it was actually brilliant. So good.'
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
IVF births increase but NHS funding drops, new figures show
IVF births made up more than 3% of births in the UK in 2023, according to new 20,700 babies were born during the year as a result of in vitro fertilisation -representing an increase from 8,700 in 2000, figures from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) single patients and female same sex couples opting for the treatment has contributed to the rise, while there has also been an increase in older NHS-funded cycles across the UK have decreased in recent years from 35% in 2019 to 27% in 2022 and 2023, the report found. The chairwoman of the HFEA said the figures demonstrate the "changing landscape of the UK fertility sector" and how it might develop in the data, which covers the year 2023, indicated that 52,400 patients had over 77,500 IVF cycles at licensed clinics in the UK."IVF births are making up a higher proportion of all UK births over time, increasing from 1.3% in 2000 to 3.1% in 2023," the report said."This means around one in 32 UK births in 2023 were via IVF - roughly one child in every classroom - compared to one in 43 in 2013."Of patients aged between 40 and 44, 11% of births were a result of IVF compared with 4% in 2000. I lost £15,000 after going to an IVF middlemanFertility patients sold unproven add-ons, HFEA says Director of strategy and corporate affairs at the HFEA, Clare Ettinghausen, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the increase in the last decade has been due to "several reasons".She cited those seeking treatment due to fertility issues as well as those looking to have children later in life."We're seeing an increased use of IVF in older age groups," she said. "The big increase, although still quite small numbers, has been in female same sex couples and single patients – those have really driven some big rises in [the] numbers of people seeking fertility treatment."Ms Ettinghausen added that funding has "dropped quite dramatically" over the last 10 years with around one third of people across the UK having NHS funding for the described access to funding as "patchy" depending on where you live - with the highest amount of NHS funding having always been in Scotland."With the small amount of money that is available, the earlier that NHS funding can get to people the better value it is for the NHS," she added. "The quicker people can be seen the more likely [either] the IVF will be successful [or] they might not need that expensive and invasive treatment."The report found that the average proportion of NHS-funded cycles dropped from 35% in 2019 to 27% by 2023, while national differences ranged from 54% in Scotland to 24% in England."The decrease in NHS-funded IVF treatments across the UK may relate to increased waiting times for further investigations prior to accessing NHS-funded treatments," the report on the HFEA data, a spokesperson from the fertility charity Fertility Network UK underlined that delays in accessing treatment could have "a devastating emotional and biological impact"."We call for fair and timely access to fertility services for all, wherever they live and whatever their background," they said.
