PM's stance on IVF discriminatory - Phelps
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the Prime Minister's decision to re-introduce legislation to deny IVF access for single women and lesbians is discriminatory and flies in the face of domestic and international medical and ethical opinion.
Dr Phelps said the legislation discriminates against certain groups in the community and seeks to erode hard-won gains through the Sex Discrimination Act.
"Single women and gay women pay taxes too," Dr Phelps said.
"They are entitled to equal treatment in the community.
"The AMA supports the protection of equal rights for women who want access to reproductive technology.
"There is no evidence that same-sex parents are more or less successful than heterosexual parents.
"In fact, a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that:
- '…the weight of evidence gathered during several decades using diverse samples and methodologies is persuasive in demonstrating that there is no systematic difference between gay and non-gay parents in emotional health, parenting skills, and attitudes towards parenting.
'No data have pointed to any risk to children as a result of growing up in a family with one or more gay parents.'
"Seeking to start a family through IVF requires great commitment and determination to be a parent, and this is the same for homosexual and heterosexual couples.
"Legislation based on ignorance should not stand in their way," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076