The first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby was born in Australia back in 1980. Four years after that, the State of Victoria was the first Australian jurisdiction in the entire world to pass comprehensive legislation that regulated assisted reproductive technology (ART).
According to statistics, 4% of babies born in Australia are with the use of ART. There is a range of national guidelines and a mandatory accreditation regulating ART in Australia. The ART-specific legislation varies from state to state. That being said, several questions might come to your mind when it comes to IVF and the legalities surrounding it.
In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about Australia’s fertility treatment law. So all you need to do is simply keep reading.
IVF: Definition
IVF is a pretty stressful process both for the mind and body. With proper knowledge about IVF and the laws around IVF, you will be more aware of your rights, and the pressure will definitely ease a little.
IVF, or In vitro fertilization, is a special procedure involving the conception of an embryo outside a woman’s body. IVF is common among couples experiencing infertility or other health conditions that are not allowing natural conception.
Different states in Australia have different kinds of legislation regarding IVF and fertility treatment. This makes it very important for any couple opting for IVF to consult with experienced and reputed fertility lawyers in Melbourne.
The Different Fertility Laws in Australia
Knowing the laws surrounding IVF and ART is important for any couple taking that route in Australia. This is because, all across the country, there are different legal regulations governing IVF in different states. Quite naturally, if you are living in Brisbane, a good way to go is to consult Brisbane family lawyers.
Not just that, the federal government of Australia also announced nationwide applicable IVF laws, which also mention that IVF cloning practices are illegal. The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia also has a set of clinical practice guidelines which serve as the national IVF framework.
About Your Rights Surrounding IVF
There are certain rights that every couple undergoing IVF treatment holds in Australia. These are:
- Right To Information: You are right to be fully informed about the process of IVF before the procedure.
- Valid Consent Is Mandatory: Valid consent in writing after complete information is mandatory for the procedure.
- For people who also need sperm/egg donors, you must also have complete knowledge about the implications of donation and the right to withdraw consent.
- Infertile Couples: Infertile couples opting for IVF must have an understanding of the chances of pregnancy using processes apart from IVF, as well as specific factors which are the uncertain impacts of IVF.
Ending Note
IVF is not something extraordinary in today’s time. It has become almost like a natural process of conception, and if you have the needs, you can choose it any time as per your needs and convenience.
