News
3 July, 2024
Investigation onto assisted reproductive tech concludes
The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) has concluded its investigation into assisted reproductive technology (ART) providers in Queensland, offering several recommendations to enhance the safety and quality of reproductive services.
The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) has concluded its investigation into assisted reproductive technology (ART) providers in Queensland, offering several recommendations to enhance the safety and quality of reproductive services. Directed by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, the report highlights systemic issues within the ART sector and outlines actions to improve practices, safeguards for consumers, donors, and donor-conceived children.
The investigation, based on consumer complaints, audits, and interviews, identified several key areas of concern. The most frequent complaints related to the collection, storage, identification, and distribution of gametes and embryos, accounting for 28% of OHO issues and 40% of ART provider complaints. Other major concerns included the provision of information and informed consent (28% of OHO issues, 20% of ART provider complaints), as well as the screening of gametes and donors (16% of OHO issues, 13% of ART provider complaints).
In response to the findings, the Miles Government introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, which includes the creation of a $5.9 million donor conception information register. This will provide donor-conceived individuals with access to information about their genetic origins.
Minister Fentiman emphasised the importance of robust legislative frameworks to ensure the interests of consumers and donor-conceived individuals are protected. She acknowledged the courage of those who shared their personal experiences to help inform the investigation and advocate for change in the sector.
