[Greens-Media] Greens support VLRC report on "Unfair and Irrational" IVF laws

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Media Release: Thursday 7 June 2007

GREENS SUPPORT VLRC REPORT ON "UNFAIR AND IRRATIONAL" IVF LAWS

The Greens have called on the Victorian Government to act quickly and 
introduce legislation to implement the Victorian Law Reform Commission 
(VLRC) recommendations on assisted reproductive technology and adoption.

"The report calls for inclusive access to treatment, including single 
women and lesbians, who are presently denied treatment", said Sue 
Pennicuik MLC for Southern Metropolitan Region.

"Adoption by same sex couples is recommended, as is recognition of 
non-birth mothers.  These provisions are long overdue."

"The guiding principles of the report are very good, as the welfare of 
children is paramount", said Ms Pennicuik.  "The report criticises the 
current legislation as it 'does not protect children adequately, it 
excludes some women and children from the safeguards offered by the 
system'."

"The report outlines the risks to women and their children if they are 
forced by the current legislation to go interstate or overseas for 
treatment, or if self-inseminating from donors who have not been screened 
for communicable diseases.  Those women and the donors also currently 
don?t have access to counselling, and information about the donors may not 
be recorded.  They have to pay more for travel and treatment, and so on."

"Other recommendations, such as access to children born via Assisted 
Reproductive Technology to information about their genetic origins are 
important".

"The Greens agree with the VLRC that the current laws lead to ?unfair and 
irrational? results.  We call on Mr Bracks to get cracking and introduce 
fair, rational legislation."

For Further comment:
Sue Pennicuik: 0407 000 270
Parliament of Victoria Notice: 

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