- Cook Government to modernise assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy laws
- Reforms will allow greater access for Western Australians to start their own families through ART and surrogacy
- All donor-conceived people to have the right to information about their genetic heritage regardless of when they were conceived
The Cook Labor Government will introduce landmark legislation to reform access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy in Western Australia on Wednesday - delivering long-awaited changes to support more would-be parents to start a family.
The new laws will remove red tape to modernise and streamline access to fertility treatment, surrogacy, genetic testing and donor information.
The Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Bill 2025 will remove long-standing barriers to access, enabling same-sex couples, single people, transgender and intersex Western Australians to access ART and surrogacy.
The changes will bring WA into line with other jurisdictions, including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland.
The Bill ensures the best interests of children born through ART and surrogacy are paramount and maintains safety and quality assurances through the licensing of fertility clinics by the Department of Health.
For donor-conceived people, where records are available, the reforms will extend their right to access important information about their genetic heritage - regardless of when they were conceived - providing them with knowledge that may assist with future family planning and healthcare decisions.
The legislation delivers on the Cook Government's commitment to modern, inclusive and evidence-based laws that reflect the needs of Western Australians today.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This is a historic week for our State and one that many Western Australians have been waiting for.
"The Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Bill will streamline and modernise WA's assisted reproductive laws, making it easier for many Western Australians to start a family of their own.
"It will allow more Western Australians to begin IVF treatment, remove long-standing barriers to access and bring WA into line with other jurisdictions, including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland.
"This legislation delivers on my government's commitment to modern, inclusive and evidence-based laws that reflect the needs of our community."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"This landmark reform is about better access to health, fairness, compassion and helping more people in our community realise their dream of becoming parents.
"For Western Australians facing the prospect of heading interstate or overseas to start their family, this reform is for you.
"For same-sex couples who aren't yet both recognised as the legal parent of their own children, this reform is for you.
"And for donor-conceived children who want information about their own genetic history for their own health and wellbeing, this reform is for you.
"These changes have been a long time coming, and we're proud to be the government that is finally delivering them.
"I want to thank everyone who has championed these reforms that will modernise and streamline our laws, bringing Western Australia into line with other jurisdictions."
