On 18 June 2025, Russell Kennedy consultant and health lawyer Michael Gorton AM appeared on ABC’s 7.30 Report, in a segment titled “IVF clinics under the microscope”, where he offered expert legal insights into recent IVF clinic errors and highlighted the urgent need for stronger national reporting standards.
He mentioned that regulation of IVF across Australia is a patchwork, stating that "every State and Territory is different and some are more regulated, others less regulated.”
Michael, who led the 2018 review of Victoria’s fertility laws and has advised on Queensland’s framework, said “the current self-regulatory regime has had its day and is no longer fit for purpose.”
He also highlighted the lack of transparency in error reporting, noting that serious incidents are only made public in limited circumstances: “If there’s public reporting of serious incidents, then everyone is aware, patients are aware, the public is aware and it puts further pressure on clinics to make sure they follow the rules.”
The interview followed the Government announcing a national three-month review into IVF regulation by Australia’s health ministers, which will consider the creation of a national regulator and updated code of practice.
Watch the 7.30 ABC video here.
Credit: ABC
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