A Sydney couple withdrew around $34,000 from their superannuation to afford having a baby, a decision experts say could wipe $120,000 from their retirement savings in the long run.
Melissa Szeto and her husband, Dat, spent years trying to conceive naturally. When that failed, they underwent multiple rounds of IVF at a full-fee Sydney clinic, leaving them cash-strapped. The couple completed three rigorous and unsuccessful rounds, each costing $15,000. Both have solid careers and earn decent wages, but living in Australia's most expensive city made the expense a stretch.
"IVF adds up so quickly, especially when you're going through multiple cycles and transfers," Ms Szeto told news.com.au. "It definitely delayed other goals. Things like saving for a home deposit and travelling had to take a back seat while we focused on treatment. We were really lucky to get some help from family, which eventually helped us buy a small two-bedroom apartment."
Ms Szeto, 36, said the ongoing IVF cost felt incredibly unfair because all they wanted was to start a family. "Infertility is a medical condition. It can take such an emotional and financial toll. I don't think access should depend so heavily on whether you can afford it."
Over five years, their fertility journey cost more than $70,000, including specialist appointments, medications, tests, procedures, embryo transfers, and everything that came with each cycle. After three failed rounds, they decided to withdraw money from their superannuation on compassionate grounds, but it wasn't tax-free. Tax of up to 22 per cent was deducted because they were under 60.
"We both ended up accessing our superannuation for different cycles, which was a big decision at the time," Ms Szeto said. "Even then, there were taxes and fees on top of that, so the actual impact was more than just the amount withdrawn."
Eventually, the couple found a bulk-billing fertility clinic, and their second transfer was successful. They welcomed their son Oakley in February, but it took $70,000 and immense perseverance to start their family.
Vanessa Ferguson, CEO of Adora, a bulk-billing fertility clinic, said couples withdrawing super to fund IVF is not uncommon in 2026. "More people are finding themselves in the difficult position of choosing between protecting their retirement savings and pursuing their dream of starting a family. That's not a choice anyone should have to make." She emphasised that costs vary between clinics and advised patients to understand all options early.
Money expert Taylor Blackburn from Finder warned that withdrawing from super can impact you for decades. "Taking $34,000 out of your super in your 30s isn't a $34,000 decision; it's potentially a $120,000 one. Compound interest means you aren't just pulling out cash; you're removing decades of growth. Remember too that IVF is far from a sure thing – if you spend that money and the round fails, it's a double whammy."
Mr Blackburn called it a massive financial gamble. "It is understandable to choose a family today over a retirement fund in your 60s, but IVF doesn't guarantee a kid. It's an indictment of our healthcare system that some are forced to make this choice in the first place."
