Reproductive Technology Bill a long-overdue reform

The AMA (WA) welcomes the introduction of the Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Bill 2025 (WA) (the Bill), a long-overdue reform that places patients and children at the centre of reproductive healthcare in Western Australia.

AMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath said the Bill reflects contemporary clinical practice, community expectations, and the principles of equity and patient autonomy.

“This legislation brings WA into alignment with national and international best practice. It removes outdated and discriminatory barriers to care, and ensures all people – regardless of relationship status, gender identity or sexual orientation – can access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy with dignity and respect,” Dr Hoath said.

The AMA (WA) particularly acknowledges the Bill’s emphasis on the best interests of the child and its robust consent frameworks.

“The Bill rightly places the welfare of children born through ART and surrogacy at the heart of the regulatory framework. It also provides clarity and legal certainty for families, donors and clinicians,” Dr Hoath said.

The AMA (WA) also welcomed provisions in the Bill on embryo storage, posthumous use, and reciprocal in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which reflect the realities of reproductive medicine.

“Clinicians have long supported people’s ability to make informed decisions about embryo storage and use, including in cases of reciprocal IVF and posthumous conception. The Bill provides a clear, ethical and practical framework for these scenarios,” Dr Hoath said.

“This reform will allow more Western Australians to start a family. Removing the medical infertility requirement is a critical step toward equitable access.”

The AMA (WA) looks forward to working with the Cook Labor Government to support the implementation of the legislation and ensure Western Australians continue to receive safe, ethical and patient-centred reproductive care.