Vic Bill passes Upper House

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill was passed by the Victorian Legislative Council tonight,but with amendments, meaning that it will need to return to the lower House for approval next year.

The Bill will legalise surrogacy in Victoria, and will allow single women and lesbians formally to access IVF services in Victoria. Single women and lesbians already have this right in Victoria, because the Federal and High Court decisions in Re McBain have held in effect that Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws override Victorian laws which otherwise prevent single women and lesbians accessing IVF services.