- Published:
- Wednesday 3 July 2019
The Andrews Labor Government will make assisted reproductive treatment fairer, more affordable and easier to access for all Victorians, as part of once-in-a-generation reforms.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today welcomed the final report into the review of Assisted Reproductive Treatment in Victoria by Michael Gorton AM.
As part of a staged response to the landmark review, the Labor Government will change the legislation to ensure same-sex female couples are recognised as one family using donated sperm and eggs or embryo, removing discrimination and increasing the chances of being able to have biologically-related siblings by using the one donor.
The Labor Government will undertake further consultation on removing the discriminatory requirement that Victorians hoping to grow their family with IVF must first undergo police and child protection checks, which can cause long delays.
Other recommendations accepted by the Labor Government will:
- Improve access to and affordability of assisted reproductive treatment
- Ensure the regulatory framework keeps pace with changing technology and modern attitudes towards assisted reproductive treatment
- Remove discrimination.
The landmark report was commissioned by the Labor Government in 2018 as part of a major push to make sure more Victorians have better access to safer, higher-quality treatment – free from discrimination.
The Labor Government is delivering on its promise to make sure more Victorians can become a parent through IVF, without the high costs, with public IVF services – bulk billed and subsidised for low-income Victorians.
To improve quality and safety the Government earlier this year asked the Health Complaints Commissioner to investigate reports of rogue practitioners who put patients at risk or peddle false hope about their chances of conception.
The full report can be viewed at https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-services/patient-care/perinatal-reproductive/assisted-reproduction/regulatory-review
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We know that while IVF can be a life-changing experience for many families, it can also be an emotional and financial rollercoaster. That’s why this once-in-a-generation review was so important.”
“We’re removing unfair hurdles faced by too many families and making IVF easier and more affordable to access – it will mean the world to thousands of Victorian families.”
"I thank Michael Gorton for delivering a comprehensive report and the individuals and families who shared their experiences to help lay the groundwork for more accessible and safer assisted reproductive treatment, free from discrimination."