National framework to establish Australia-wide legislation for IVF and ART in development
Quick Overview
Australia:
The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive review of governance and standards within the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and In Virto Fertilisation (IVF) sector across Australia.
As the peak body representing scientists, doctors, researchers, nurses, consumers and counsellors in reproductive medicine in Australia & New Zealand, FSANZ is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, transparency, and accountability within the fertility industry.
Dr Petra Wale, PHD
President Fertility SocietyAt present, there are currently over 30 different pieces of legislation governing ART and IVF practices across Australia.
Unforeseen adverse events can have a profound impact on individuals and families involved in ART. FSANZ is dedicated to addressing these issues with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
To support this, FSANZ has been working diligently for six months with stakeholders and members of the public to ensure that the review framework takes in to account the lived experience of the thousands of Australians who seek out the ART and IVF sector to support them in their quest to start a family.
Dr Petra Wale, PHD
President Fertility SocietyTo provide best practice outcomes and better serve Australians, there is a pressing need to unify the disparate legislative frameworks.
In May, as part of this stakeholder consultation, FSANZ appointed former Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and Dr Rachel Swift, an embryologist and public health expert, to lead this review process.
The findings of Mr Hunt and Dr Swift will inform the development of a comprehensive 10-year roadmap, aimed at establishing uniform national legislation for ART and IVF providers.
Dr Petra Wale, PHD
President Fertility SocietyThe simpler, safer and more affordable we can make the ART & IVF process for those attempting to grow their families and the experts that assist them, the better.
The long-term vision of FSANZ remains to work with State, Territory and Federal Governments towards the establishment of a uniform national legislation to replace the over 30 current different pieces of legislation currently governing ART and IVF practices across Australia.
Australia already boasts one of the world’s safest and most successful IVF sectors, with over 18,500 babies born as a result of ART including IVF in 2021 (1).
Dr Petra Wale, PHD
President Fertility SocietyFSANZ will continue to work with all interested parties to ensure advanced reproductive technologies are accessible to the Australian population, enabling many individuals and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood.
With the increasing median age for women giving birth and advancements in technologies like genetic carrier screening, the number of children born by ART and IVF over the next decade is expected to exponentially increase.
We welcome all submissions to this review to ensure a national system which continues to be held to the highest standards of care, transparency and accountability.
Submissions to this enquiry can be made to submission@rtacreview.com.au or via this link. Submissions will close on 1 August, 2024.
FSANZ will continue to collaborate with Government entities, States, providers, families and individuals to integrate these valuable inputs into the development of the roadmap.
The 10-year fertility plan is expected to be presented to FSANZ’s National Conference in Perth in September.
Media contact
Mathew Langdon – 0400 645 779 – mathew.langdon@londonagency.com.au
Sophia Heather – 0411 924 112 - sophia.heather@londonagency.com.au