Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee
▸10 members spoke10 support
Moved the second reading as Health Minister, emphasising the bill establishes Queensland's first regulatory framework for assisted reproductive technology following failures in self-regulation that harmed donor-conceived people and families.
“To all of the donor-conceived people, advocates and families, I know it took courage to speak up and expose how the fertility industry's self-regulation has, in some instances, failed to protect Queensland families.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Stated the LNP would not oppose the bill, expressing broad support for the regulatory framework, provider obligations, donor-conceived people's access to information, and prohibitions on non-medical sex selection. Raised some concerns about implementation details.
“Having carefully contemplated these findings, it is another important reason why the LNP will not oppose the bill.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill as a government backbencher, highlighting the importance of regulating the ART industry.
“I rise to speak in support of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as an LNP backbencher, recognising the need for regulation of the ART sector.
“I rise to contribute to the debate on the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as an ALP backbencher, emphasising the importance of protecting donor-conceived people's rights.
“I rise to speak in support of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the importance of the regulatory framework for families using ART services.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking from her electorate perspective about the importance of regulating ART services.
“I rise to speak in support of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the industry's broad support and cooperation in moving away from self-regulation.
“The industry has provided its broad support and cooperation to move away from self-regulation.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as an ALP backbencher.
“I rise to speak in support of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as the final ALP speaker before the minister's reply.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024.”— 2024-09-10View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill creates Queensland's first laws to regulate fertility clinics and establishes a donor conception register. It responds to failures in industry self-regulation, including cases where wrong donor sperm was used and donors fathered far more children than guidelines allowed. The law prioritises the welfare of people born through donor conception, giving them the right to know their genetic origins.
Who it affects
Donor-conceived people gain the right to find out their donor's identity from age 16. Fertility clinics must be licensed and keep records for 99 years. Donors are limited to 10 families and may have their identity disclosed without consent.
Key changes
- All fertility clinics must be licensed by Queensland Health, with powers to inspect, investigate and shut down non-compliant providers
- A donor conception register is created in the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, with historical records required within six months
- Donor-conceived people aged 16+ can access their donor's identifying information without the donor's consent, regardless of when they were born
- Donors are limited to a maximum of 10 Australian families (including their own raised family)
- Sex selection is prohibited except to prevent genetic diseases
- Donated gametes and embryos cannot be used more than 15 years after collection without approval
- Records must be kept for 99 years and it is an offence to destroy historical donor conception records
- Birth certificates of donor-conceived people will include an addendum stating further information is available