New laws to improve access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy are a step closer with the Cook Labor Government introducing landmark legislation in Parliament this week – delivering long-awaited changes to support more people in starting a family through ART and surrogacy.
The new laws will replace the outdated Acts and remove burdensome regulatory requirements to streamline access to fertility treatment, surrogacy, genetic testing and donor information – ensuring the best interests of children, ART participants, and donors remain at the centre.
It will also remove long-standing barriers to access, enabling same-sex couples, single people, transgender and intersex Western Australians to seek ART and surrogacy services – bringing WA into line with other jurisdictions, including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland.
The proposed legislation will also allow donor-conceived people to access information about their social and genetic heritage, regardless of when they were born, where records are available.
This important reform will give donor-conceived people a better sense of identity and knowledge about their genetic heritage. This may assist with future family planning and healthcare decisions.
It also 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.
The legislation delivers on the government's commitment to modern, inclusive, and evidence-based laws that reflect the needs of Western Australians today.
