AUSTRALIA is facing an infertility crisis as increasing numbers of infertile and "sub-fertile" couples are having children using IVF and other therapies.

A Sunday Herald Sun investigation has revealed a 30 per cent rise in fertility therapies means infertile couples are passing on their defective genes and infertility is being embedded in the national DNA.

Figures going back to 2006 show up to one in 20 babies in Victoria is conceived through IVF or with the help of fertility treatment.

Insurer to cover birth defects

EXPECTANT mothers will soon be able to insure unborn babies against pregnancy complications, birth defects and death.

Mothers whose children have disabilities such as blindness and deafness or other congenital malformations — including spina bifida, Down syndrome and cleft palate — will receive $50,000 under an insurance policy launched this week.