In Australia, as in most Western industrialised countries, fertility is dominated by a trend towards childbearing postponement. In the past 30 years, the fertility rate of Australian women aged 35-39 has more than doubled, and for women aged 40-44 it has tripled. Because of the negative impact of age on fecundity, the cases of age-related infertility have increased and, therefore, the reliance on assisted methods of conception. So far, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are the most successful treatment against infertility. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of those in need seek medical help. Many questions remain about who is likely to benefit and what will be the contribution of these new technologies to current and future population structure. This study will cover two aspects related with ART. First, it seeks to investigate the spatial and socio-economic barriers to ART services currently in place in Australia. Second, it aims to shed light on the effectiveness of ART in increasing fertility rates and in compensating for childbearing postponement.

Ester Lazzari is a PhD candidate in the School of Demography. Her main research interests focus on fertility and family change in low-fertility settings, childbearing postponement, and assisted reproduction. Ester holds a Master of Economics and Social Sciences from Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.