Resolving Australian Embryo Disputes
As assisted reproductive technologies become more widespread, the legal complexities surrounding embryo disputes have grown significantly. In Australia, questions about ownership, consent, and future use of cryopreserved embryos have tested the boundaries of property law, family law, and ethics. These disputes, which often arise after relationship breakdowns, can have deeply personal and far-reaching consequences—raising not only legal questions but profound emotional and ethical ones as well.
At the 27th Annual Family Law Conference in Cape Town on 28 March 2025, leading fertility and family law expert Stephen Page delivered a landmark presentation on how Australian law approaches embryo disputes. Drawing on his decades of practice and involvement in international legal reform, Stephen explored the emerging body of case law, legislative reforms, and best practices for legal practitioners. His paper covered the critical importance of consent, regulatory hurdles faced by IVF clinics, the property status of embryos, and the professional risks for solicitors who overlook reproductive materials in family law matters.
This paper is essential reading for lawyers, fertility professionals, and intended parents alike—offering a rare combination of practical advice, legal analysis, and international insight. Download the full paper now to explore Stephen Page’s comprehensive approach to resolving embryo disputes under Australian law.
