Queensland introduces new Bill to regulate assisted reproductive providers

• A new Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill introduced in Parliament today will introduce a robust framework to regulate ART providers and services in Queensland.
• The new legislative framework will include a $5.9 million donor conception information register, giving donor-conceived people access to information about their genetic origins.
• This body of work complements the Queensland Government’s more than $1 billion Women and Girls Health Strategy 2032.

New laws to regulate Queensland’s assisted reproductive technology (ART) were introduced in Parliament today.

These laws reflect the Queensland Government’s commitment to improving confidence in Queensland’s ART industry and facilitating access to information for members of the donor-conceived community.

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill establishes a licensing framework to provide robust oversight and greater transparency of the ART industry.

This will give Queensland Health a sliding scale of enforcement powers to deal with non-compliance and adverse events, giving Queensland families greater confidence in providers.

The Bill will ensure that the wellbeing and interests of people receiving fertility treatments are central to the delivery of ART services, and that the welfare and interests of people born as a result of ART are of paramount importance.

The Bill’s introduction complements the more than $42 million investment announced earlier this year to support women and girls' reproductive health and wellbeing. 

Under the new licensing framework, Queensland Health will be able to:

• conduct inspections of ART provider facilities,
• impose conditions on licences,
• issue improvement notices,
• suspend or cancel licences for non-compliant providers,
• prohibit providers from providing ART services if they are not in compliance. 

A $5.9 million central retrospective donor conception information register will also be established. This will give donor-conceived people access to a full picture of their genetic origins. 

Quotes attributable to the Premier Steven Miles:

“I’ve spoken to too many families who have been treated poorly by fertility clinics, often at a tremendous expense.

“It’s unfair that there are people out there who have no way to trace their genetic origins.

“This simply isn’t good enough, so we’re taking action.  

“Our Women and Girls’ Health Strategy is the blueprint for guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare for every Queenslander.

“This Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“I’m extremely proud to be able to introduce this Bill today.

“Too many families have been impacted by a lack of safeguards when accessing assisted reproductive technology and we need to ensure this doesn’t continue.

“I want to thank the courageous families who have come forward to share their stories and who have advocated for change.

“Donor-conceived people have a right to understand their genetic heritage and by investing $5.9 million to establish a central donor conception register we can provide them that opportunity.

“This register will provide families with a clearer picture of their donor, additionally it will offer counselling services to support applicants through this emotionally sensitive process.

“These changes now bring Queensland in line with other jurisdictions, that already regulate in this space.”

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“Knowing where you come from plays an incredibly important role as we grow up and establish our personal identity.

"This Bill gives donor-conceived people the same rights as the rest of us, in being able to access their full genetic picture.

“This is a vital step in protecting the mental and physical health of donor-conceived people.

“Counselling services will also be made available to those who require it.

“I’m proud to be part of the Miles Government which prioritises donor-conceived people and their families and holds the Assisted Reproductive Technology industry to a standard Queenslanders expect and deserve.”

ENDS