The World Egg and Sperm Bank's proposed 'reward' scheme for IVF companies raises concerns
The World Egg and Sperm Bank proposed a "Client Success Reward Program in Australia" to its clients, in an email seen by the ABC. (Adobe Stock)
In short:
In an email seen by the ABC, the US-based World Egg and Sperm Bank (TWESB) told IVF clinics it was introducing its new "Client Success Reward Program in Australia".
When contacted by the ABC, the company said the reward program concept had not been implemented.
The ABC has spoken to IVF industry insiders who have likened TWESB's proposal to a "frequent flyer" program.
An international egg bank approached Australian IVF companies offering them a "reward" scheme, in a controversial proposal that industry insiders have likened to "frequent flyers" for fertility clinics.
In an email seen by the ABC, the US-based World Egg and Sperm Bank (TWESB) told IVF clinics it was introducing its new "Client Success Reward Program in Australia".
"Clinics can now earn credits that offset, or even fully cover the cost of donor egg cohorts for your patients," the email, sent last month, said.
"Credits are applied directly to your Clinic TWESB account, giving you flexibility to support your patients when they need it most.
"You have the power to support your patients who are in need through the TWESB credits you earn."
The World Egg and Sperm Bank has a "dedicated presence" in Australia. (Supplied: Facebook)
When contacted by the ABC, the company said the reward program concept had "not" been implemented.
"We had provided limited information outlining a potential clinic-based support model intended to improve patient access to treatment with donor gametes," a statement said.
"Although the message outlined a program concept, it was not implemented.
"We appreciate the opportunity to provide context and reaffirm that TWESB continues to meet the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and regulatory compliance in all countries where we operate".
TWESB, which has its headquarters in Arizona but has a "dedicated presence" in Australia, said on its website it "continues to set the gold standard in ethics and quality for egg and sperm banks".
The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) said it was aware of the "points-based program" proposal and had advised "all members to exercise caution".
"Australia continues to face a shortage of sperm and egg donors, and issues such as this underscore the importance of reforms that will encourage more Australians to donate and help Australian families achieve their dream of parenthood," the FSANZ spokeswoman said.
"While partnerships with overseas providers may always play a role in Australia's IVF landscape, overreliance on international programs introduces legal, ethical and logistical complexities."
She said the issue highlighted the urgent need for national harmonised laws covering assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, in Australia, and for a national donor register to ensure transparency, consistency, and protection for both donors and families.
IVF companies cautioned about program
Brisbane-based fertility specialist David Molloy, the chair of the IVF Medical Directors' Group Australia, which sits within FSANZ, said he had written to IVF companies cautioning them about getting involved.
He said the companies were warned that before they became involved in inducement schemes, they should seek ethical and legal advice.
"There is a risk of reputational damage," he said.
"I'm keen to have the opportunity to distance the industry from anything that could be perceived to be an inducement scheme."
Dr David Molloy says there is a risk of "reputational damage" for companies. (ABC News: Jessica van Vonderen)
Dr Molloy said the group viewed such schemes "with great concern".
"It is really important that anything to do with donor sperm and donor eggs is absolutely managed impeccably to the highest standards," he said.
"Why should a patient pay the full amount for eggs and the next patient receive a benefit from that purchase? That makes no sense."
Loyalty proposal 'risks reducing human dignity'
The ABC has spoken to IVF industry insiders who have likened TWESB's proposal to a "frequent flyer" program.
Dr Molly Johnston, an ARC Industry Fellow at Monash University's Bioethics Centre, said it was complex but such a reward scheme "does raise some serious questions about how commercial incentives are influencing reproductive medicine."
"I can see the argument for it, particularly if there are cost savings that are then passed on to patients, as we know that the cost of assisted reproductive technology is one of the greatest barriers for patients so if there is a reduction in cost, this could improve access and help people achieve families," she said.
"But I do think a loyalty program, where you earn points, does raise some serious questions about how commercial incentives are influencing reproductive medicine.
"In particular, that a program like this could then create a financial incentive for clinics to use and access gametes from a specific bank.
"In doing so, it could create a conflict of interest for these clinics if they stand to gain financially from accessing gametes through a program like this."
Dr Molly Johnston says loyalty schemes could risk "undermining patient autonomy". (Supplied)
She said, if introduced, it could also risk "biasing clinical decision-making" or "undermining patient autonomy".
"It's not the fact that it is commercial involvement that is problematic in itself, it's the fact this is reproduction and reproduction is not like other markets and products," she said.
"Here, financial incentives such as using a program like this risks undermining the moral significance of procreation and risks reducing human dignity."
TWESB has been importing into Australia since 2010.
Australia's fertility sector has come under scrutiny this year after news of two separate embryo mix-ups by Monash IVF, prompting the nation's health ministers to launch a "rapid review" of the industry.