Yes, more Australians should have access to IVF – but talk of a fertility ‘problem’ has the scent of old patriarchy

‘Fertility discourse has become a platform to perform dominant political values,’ Van Badham writes. Photograph: Phanie/Alamy

The problem with talking about IVF is that anyone who knows anything about it has lived their experience with some degree of trauma.

So reports appearing this week proposing increased access to IVF as a means to solve Australia’s declining fertility “problem” hit in the tenderest part of the body. It’s the bit that may not hold a baby but carries a deep awareness of patriarchal values. Greg Hunt – former health minister in the Coalition government – is heading a “sweeping review” of the conspicuously unsexy “national fertility policy” and announcements have been made.