In this Conceive Baby discussion we talk about quite a controversial topic in the fertility field.

A topic that’s received significant media attention, which has raising many questions and concerns from those going through or considering IVF treatment. Embryo freezing. Specifically what your options and rights are if you have ‘spare’ embryos.

There have been many concerning reports of embryos being 'stolen' and families torn apart. Here we get the facts you need to know.

I two experts in the field, Louise Johnson and Karin Hammarberg.

Louise is the CEO for the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA), a position which she has held for past ten years.

Louise oversees VARTA’s administration of aspects of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 as well as its public education about assisted reproductive treatment, the health and welfare of children born as a result of treatment, and the causes and prevention of infertility.

From 1st March 2017, VARTA took over management of the Victorian donor conception registers, providing a “one door in” approach to counselling support and information associated with donor conception and the donor registers.

Louise is also spokesperson for the Your Fertility program which provides advice to people on ways to optimise their fertility. She has an Honours degree in science, postgraduate qualifications in education and management and a Masters in Regulatory Studies.

Karin Hammarberg is Senior Research Officer at the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) and Senior Research Fellow at Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Population Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University.

Enjoy the discussion!