Melbourne IVF Donor Bank: Pioneers of Hope and Progress

At Melbourne IVF Donor Bank, we understand the significance of this journey and are here to support you every step of the way. As the longest-running donor bank in Australia, we've been at the forefront of donor-assisted fertility since 1976.

Our Donor Bank helps individuals and couples looking for eggs, sperm or embryo donors or supporting people through the decision to donate their own eggs, sperm, or embryos generously. Experience a compassionate, ethical, and leading donor program dedicated to your individual journey.

The Birth of Melbourne IVF Donor Bank

Melbourne IVF Donor Bank is a trailblazer in the world of assisted reproduction. Established in 1976, it was the first of its kind, setting a new standard in fertility treatment. Instead of relying on fresh semen from a limited number of donors, Melbourne IVF pioneered the use of screened, frozen-thawed donor sperm. This approach was revolutionary, offering more reliability and accessibility for individuals and couples struggling with infertility due to male factors.

The architects behind this groundbreaking initiative were Professor Ian Johnston, the first Chair of Melbourne IVF, and his successor, Dr John McBain, who took the reins in 1990. Their vision was to provide a solution for infertile couples, where the male partner was the primary cause of infertility, and adoption was no longer a viable option as unmarried mothers were no longer relinquishing their babies.

Innovations in Donor Sperm Treatment

Dr John McBain, a key figure in Melbourne IVF's history, implemented numerous pioneering approaches to donor-assisted reproduction. One such innovation was the use of daily blood tests to predict the fertile time, replacing the less accurate temperature charting method. In his own words, he noted, “Our Donor Sperm bank was the first to use daily blood tests to predict the fertile time rather than inaccurate temperature charts. Blood tests nowadays are replaced by home-based urine-stick tests”. This innovative approach enhanced the precision of fertility treatments.

In 1978, Dr McBain authored the first Australian audit of donor insemination centres. This audit demonstrated the superiority of using frozen sperm treatment timed with ovulation testing. It was a game-changer, making the fertility treatment process more effective and reliable for countless couples.

Challenging Discriminatory Laws

In 1983, a regressive law in Victoria made it a criminal offence to treat unmarried women with donor sperm, punishable by up to four years of imprisonment. This law posed a significant barrier to access for single and gay women. In 1995, the Infertility Treatment Act replaced this law, but disappointingly, it maintained the same punitive provision against treating unmarried women, further hindering their access to fertility treatment.

Dr McBain took a stand against the unjust Victorian law and the hardship it imposed. He initiated action against the State of Victoria and the Victorian Minister of Health in the Federal Court, a case that was eventually heard in 2000. His motivation was clear: “I saw the injustice of the Victorian Law and the hardship it caused in travel expense and disruption. Also, a much-vaunted reform in the Victorian Law, the ability of the child to gain the donor’s identity once 18 years of age was not available to those who travelled interstate for treatment”.

Dr McBain's victory in court was a significant turning point. However, the Victorian government attempted to circumvent his victory by invoking the 'Interpretation of Acts' Act, which imposed additional barriers to treatment for single and gay women in Victoria.

Overcoming Obstacles

Dr McBain's persistence and advocacy for those facing fertility challenges were truly commendable. He analysed age-related success rates and realised that women over 40 had only a 2% chance of success with donor insemination (DI). As a result, he designated such women as medically infertile and proceeded to treat them with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) using donor sperm.

This decision, while medically sound, caused a moral panic within the Catholic Church. They sought to restrict Dr McBain's practice by suing him in the High Court (McBain v Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference 2002). In a landmark ruling, Dr McBain emerged victorious with a 7-0 decision in his favour, allowing him and other doctors across Australia to treat single and gay women without undue restrictions.

Advancements in IVF Technology

Advancements in IVF technology, particularly single sperm injection (ICSI) introduced in Victoria by Melbourne IVF in 1993, led to a significant shift in the donor insemination program. From 2000 onwards, Melbourne IVF's DI program increasingly focused on helping single and gay women, furthering their mission to provide accessible fertility treatments.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of Melbourne IVF Donor Bank's pioneering work continues to be felt, not only in Australia but also across the world. Thanks to the vision and dedication of Dr John McBain and the entire Melbourne IVF team, countless families have been created, and many have experienced the joy of parenthood.

In a heartwarming twist, Professor McBain himself is now the grandfather of a three-year-old boy conceived through IVF and donor insemination—a testament to the enduring legacy of his advocacy and pioneering work. His efforts have brought happiness and hope to numerous individuals and families, and his legacy is one of compassion, progress, and unwavering commitment.

Melbourne IVF Donor Bank's rich history is a testament to the incredible impact that dedicated professionals like Professor Ian Johnston and Dr John McBain have had on the world of assisted reproduction. Their pioneering work and unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, ethical, and leading donor programs have touched the lives of countless individuals and families.

As we look to the future, Melbourne IVF Donor Bank continues to be a beacon of hope for those embarking on their own fertility journeys. With its remarkable legacy and ongoing commitment to progress, the Melbourne IVF Donor Bank remains a pillar of support for all those seeking to create their own families.