The Australian Financial Review’s recent series, Ill-conceived: Inside Australia’s IVF money-making machine, has sparked important discussions across the fertility sector. It shines a spotlight on the rapid growth of private equity ownership in fertility clinics across Australia and raises legitimate questions about what happens when commercial priorities begin to outweigh patient care in such a personal and vulnerable area of medicine.
As a fertility specialist who has worked in this field for over 20 years, and as the founder of No.1 Fertility, a fully doctor-owned and independent fertility clinic, I welcome this conversation. These articles give us the opportunity to clearly explain the differences between private equity-backed groups and independent, doctor-led clinics like ours, where clinical decisions are made by doctors, rather than investors.
What the AFR series got right
The reporting draws attention to trends that many clinicians and patients have noticed over time, including:
· Increased pressure on doctors to see more patients and generate higher revenue
· The promotion of fertility add-on tests and treatments that are not always supported by strong evidence
· More standardised treatment models that can feel impersonal
· Rising out of pocket costs for patients undergoing IVF and egg freezing
Hearing patients describe fertility treatment as feeling like they are on a conveyor belt is genuinely upsetting. Infertility treatment is emotionally demanding enough without additional financial stress or the feeling of being treated as a number rather than an individual.
Why being doctor owned makes a real difference
At No.1 Fertility, we made a deliberate decision to remain fully independent, with no private equity involvement. That independence allows us to put patients first in very practical ways.
· Transparent and fair pricing
In 2017, we shook up the market by offering elective egg freezing for around $2,500, at a time when many larger clinics were charging $15,000 or more. Today, our pricing remains clear, upfront, and transparent. There are no hidden extras, and we only recommend investigations and treatments that are evidence based and clinically appropriate. This approach allows patients to make informed decisions about IVF and fertility preservation without unnecessary financial pressure.
· Truly personalised fertility care
Our doctors maintain manageable caseloads so they can spend meaningful time with each patient. This means longer consultations, individualised treatment protocols, and direct contact throughout your fertility journey.
· Laboratory quality and patient safety
Some commentary around IVF lab standards has focused on patient numbers per doctor. In reality, the critical benchmark is patients per scientist. At No.1 Fertility, we cap this at approximately 100 patients per scientist per year, well within recommended guidelines. This lower ratio allows our embryologists to give every egg and every embryo the meticulous care they deserve, supporting both safety and outcomes.
· Research driven innovation, not profit driven decisions
Over the past seven years, No.1 Fertility has independently funded and led more than 47 research projects. We are also one of only two clinics in Australia to hold an NHMRC embryo research licence, a highly regulated approval that allows ethical embryo research aimed at improving future fertility treatments. Achieving this as a fully independent clinic demonstrates what is possible when scientific curiosity and patient outcomes, rather than quarterly profit targets, guide decision making.
Doctor-owned fertility clinics like ours reflect the original foundations of IVF in Australia, where treatment was pioneered by clinicians deeply committed to both science and patient care. Financial sustainability is essential, but profit should always be the outcome of excellent care, never the driving force behind it.
Where the fertility industry can improve
Many independent fertility specialists, myself included, have long advocated for stronger regulation across the IVF sector. This includes clearer public reporting of success rates, properly adjusted for patient age and clinical complexity, and stricter guidelines around fertility add-ons. Patients deserve transparency so they can make confident, informed choices about their care.
A message to patients considering their options
If you have read the AFR series and feel uncertain or concerned about fertility treatment in Australia, it is important to remember that not all IVF clinics operate in the same way.
Independent, doctor-led fertility clinics still exist and remain deeply committed to ethical, compassionate, and evidence- based care.
At No.1 Fertility, our mission has not changed. We are here to support you with honesty, expertise, and kindness at every stage of your fertility journey.
If you would like to discuss your situation or explore your options, we are always happy to talk. There is no pressure, just straightforward advice and genuine care.
Warm regards,
Dr Lynn Burmeister Founder and Medical Director
No.1 Fertility
