The Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, says the dream of having a family is fast becoming a nightmare for Victorian couples in IVF programs following an inexplicable decision by the Andrews Labor government to place treatments on hold until April 12; at the earliest.
Mr Walsh said Daniel Andrews and his emergency powers are now dictating whether or not Victorians can have a family.
He said if people ever doubted Daniel Andrews would abuse his ongoing reign as a virtual law unto himself; they need look no further than the many shattered women and men around the state this week.
“Health Minister Martin Foley has confirmed IVF clinics were being asked to cancel their appointments with clients in an effort to free up more health resources,” Mr Walsh said.
“If this is how Andrews and Co are planning to produce those thousands of beds they promised – but never delivered – you have to wonder who will be turfed out of the health system next as this sham of a government runs around with not enough fingers to stick in the dykes,” he said.
“Multiple IVF providers have warned the protocols will definitely disrupt procedures for some couples.
“Australia’s biggest IVF provider, Virtus, IVF has been restricted to cycles commenced before January 6, or to those who are reaching in-health treatment that would render their eggs unviable.”
Mr Walsh said even blind Freddie can see the blanket ban on IVF treatment could be “catastrophic for women and their partners” as any delay to treatment cycles while government decision making takes place could significantly impact the ability to conceive.
He said distraught Victorians have already expressed their anguish at the decision, claiming a 90-day ban could end some couples’ dream of having a child.
“Successful IVF treatment is not a stop and start process. The Andrews Labor government must immediately reinstate fertility and IVF treatments in Victoria,” Mr Walsh said.
“Why should these people; desperate to have a child; be forced to pay for the incompetence of Daniel Andrews and his government – how many more things will they fail to deliver before even their most rabid supporters finally say ‘that’s enough’,” he added.
“This must be reversed immediately to ensure many Victorian couples’ chances of having a family of their own isn’t jeopardised.
“For many Victorians, IVF is not a choice. Daniel Andrews and Martin Foley shouldn’t be allowed to decide when couples can have children.
“We are already in the midst of a shadow lockdown and now the government is putting the mental health of those experiencing infertility at risk.”