Iced embryos total 118,000

HOBART - More than 30,000 Australian couples have frozen embryos stored in the hope of having a baby. About 118,000 fertilised eggs are stored nationwide, 90 per cent for IVF patients.

Given present success rates this represents 12,000 babies waiting in the wings, says fertility specialist Dr Bill Watkins. The data represents the first accurate count of the number of cryo-preserved embryos in refrigeration since the practice started 20 years ago.

Couples seeking IVF usually have extra embryos created in case the first pregnancy attempt fails or they want another child.

- AAP