Terms of Reference
1. To inquire into and report on the need to make laws on:
(i) Human artificial insemination (AI).
(ii) In vitro fertilization of human ova with human sperm (IVF) and transfer of the resulting embryo to the human uterus (ET).
(iii) Any other procedure whereby human ova may be fertilized otherwise than by sexual intercourse.
(iv) Any other procedure whereby the process of human reproduction may be commenced, continued or completed otherwise than in the body of the human female.
(v) The preservation of human ova, human sperm and human embryo outside the human body.
(vi) "Surrogate mothering" arrangements (arrangements under which a woman agrees to bear a child for another person or persons).
(vii) Any other related matter.
2. To include in its report recommendations on the extent and nature of any recommended laws.
3. In making its inquiry and report the Commission may take into account the extent that it decides is necessary or desirable:
(i) Social, ethical and legal issues related to the subjects described above.
(ii) Any form of artificial conception of a human child that it considers relevant.
(iii) The public interest and the interests of children, parents, infertile couples, and any other relevant person.
(iv) The nature of and issues raised by arrangements and agreements relating to any of the subjects described above, and to any child that may be born as a result
(v) The legal rights and liabilities of medical and other personnel involved in such practices and other related practices.
(vi) Present laws including laws concerning children, including custody, adoption, inheritance and anti-discrimination, ownership of and dominion over human tissues, and the treatment of human infertility.
(vii) Proposals and activities in relation to the subjects described above under consideration by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General, and by any Committee or other organisation established in Australia by a State or Territory or by the Commonwealth.
D P Landa
Attorney General and Minister of Justice
5 October 1983
Participants
Commissioner-in-charge of Reference
Members of Artificial Conception Division
Dr Susan Fleming
Ms Helen Gamble
Eva Learner
Mr Keith Mason QC
The Honourable Justice Peter Nygh (to 12 November 1986)
Mr Russell Scott (to 17 June 1988)
Honorary Consultants to the Commission
Dr Susan Craig
Professor John Leeton
Research Director
Consultant Statistician
Research and Other Assistance
Ian Collie
Fiona Curtis
Andrew Frazer
Lauren Melloy
Gail Morgan
Juliet Potts
Secretary
Word Processing
Mrs Margaret Edenborough
Mrs Nozveen Khan
Mrs Irene Vassarotti
Ms Glenda Owens
Ms Doris Sclosa
Librarian
Administrative Assistance
Ms Zoya Howes
Mrs Jenny MeMahon
Mr Grant van Wingerden
Ms Dianne Woods
Ms Judith Grieves
