Australian Family and Fertility Law

Stephen Page
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Join Award-Winning Family & Surrogacy Lawyers, Bruce Provan and Stephen Page who interviews lawyers, doctors, counsellors, parents, surrogates, scientists, donors and others who are the moving parts bringing together the ability to form families through surrogacy, and when families fall apart. Interviewees talk about their personal journeys through life, leading to their passion in their respective fields.

  1. DEC 17

    BREAKING: Another US Surrogacy Agency Collapses—Hundreds of Families Left Devastated

    Send us a text The surrogacy world is reeling. Surro Connections, a well-known American surrogacy agency, has collapsed overnight—leaving hundreds of intended parents stranded, life savings vanished, and dreams shattered. The FBI has raided their offices. Records have been shredded. And this isn't an isolated incident—it's the SECOND major surrogacy-related financial collapse in the United States THIS YEAR.  If you're considering surrogacy in the United States, or you're already on your journey, this is essential viewing. Your financial security and your path to parenthood could depend on understanding what went wrong and how to protect yourself.  Why This Matters to Every Intended Parent  In this powerful episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, World's leading surrogacy lawyer Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers shares his expert analysis of the Surro Connections collapse. With nearly 20 years of experience helping Australians navigate surrogacy in the United States since 2008, Stephen reveals that he actually saw warning signs about this agency years ago—and actively steered his clients away from them. Something "didn't add up." It felt like "the magic pudding"—too good to be true.  The Disturbing Pattern of Surrogacy Fraud  This isn't the first time the surrogacy industry has been rocked by scandal, and Stephen takes us through the troubling history that every intended parent needs to understand How to Protect Yourself: Expert Guidance from Two Decades of Experience  Stephen has helped countless Australians successfully complete their surrogacy journeys in the United States without falling victim to fraud. In this video, he shares the critical lessons learned from nearly 20 years in this field:  ✅ Research is everything. If an agency seems too good to be true—with prices that seem impossibly low or promises that sound unrealistic—trust your instincts. The "magic pudding" doesn't exist.  ✅ Work with established, reputable agencies. If a lawyer who specializes in international surrogacy has never heard of an agency, that's a major warning sign. Either they've never worked with international clients, or something isn't right.  ✅ Understand the escrow system. Escrow is an unfamiliar concept to most Australians, but it's how funds are typically held in US surrogacy arrangements. You need a reputable, established escrow company—not just any company that claims to offer escrow services.  ✅ Consider lawyers with trust accounts. Some surrogacy lawyers in the US maintain their own trust accounts, which can offer additional security. These are rare, but they exist.  ✅ Get experienced legal guidance. Working with a lawyer who knows the US surrogacy landscape—who knows which agencies have solid track records and which raise red flags—can be the difference between a successful journey and financial devastation.  Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    11 min

  2. DEC 12

    Queensland's IVF Legislation Crisis

    Send us a text ⚖️ RUSHED LAWS, REAL CONSEQUENCES: Queensland's IVF Legislation Crisis Explained  What happens when politicians prioritize election timelines over proper lawmaking? Queensland IVF patients found out the hard way when hastily enacted fertility laws left them unable to use their own stored sperm—and facing criminal penalties if clinics helped them.  In this must-listen episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Australia's Best and Most Awarded Surrogacy Lawyer Stephen Page delivers a masterclass on legislative failure, patient advocacy, and the ongoing fight to fix Queensland's Assisted Reproductive Technology Act.   📋 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:  The Political Backstory Then-Health Minister Shannon Fentiman declared IVF regulation urgent in 2023—so urgent that stakeholders (including Stephen) received just 13 days to submit feedback on laws affecting thousands of Queensland families. The shortest consultation period Stephen has ever encountered.  The XTex Sperm Donor Crisis US-based sperm bank XTex supplied donor sperm to Monash IVF and Queensland Fertility Group. When new laws demanded specific contact details (email and mobile number) from donors—including for sperm already in storage—patients were suddenly told their fertility treatment was now illegal to continue.  The Separated Spouse Problem Under the Act's counseling requirements, IVF patients must attend counseling with their spouse. But what if you're separated? Still legally married but fleeing domestic violence? The law made no distinction—potentially denying treatment to vulnerable women or even criminalizing contact where protection orders exist.  The Amendment Bill (2025) Stephen breaks down the Health Legislation Amendment (No. 3) Bill 2025, explaining what it fixes, what it doesn't, and why he's giving evidence to Parliament the very next day.  Organ Donation Meets Sperm Retrieval A surprising but important intersection: when a man dies and is both an organ donor AND his widow wants posthumous sperm retrieval, who gets priority? Stephen shares a heartwarming initiative from Dr. Doug Blom at Caboolture Hospital that's now helping hospitals across Queensland navigate both processes seamlessly.   🎯 WHO SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST:  ✔️ Anyone undergoing or considering IVF treatment in Queensland  ✔️ Fertility clinic staff navigating new compliance requirements  ✔️ Family lawyers advising clients on reproductive rights  ✔️ Policy analysts interested in legislative process failures  ✔️ Counselors working in assisted reproduction  ✔️ Medical professionals in organ donation and fertility services  ✔️ Anyone interested in how Australian health law actually works (or doesn't)   💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:  1️⃣ Rushed legislation creates victims – Real patients lost access to their fertility treatment because lawmakers prioritized political timelines  2️⃣ Retrospective requirements cause chaos – Applying new rules to existing stored genetic material creates impossible compliance situations  3️⃣ Intersecting laws matter – State laws must comply with Commonwealth anti-discrimination protections  4️⃣ Cross-jurisdictional gaps persist – Birth, Deaths & Marriages registries still can't share information across states  5️⃣ Practical solutions come from frontline workers – Dr. Blom's hospital cheat sheet shows how grassroots innovation fills legislative gaps   📚 RELATED CASES Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    11 min

  3. DEC 5

    Is the WA Surrogacy Act Unconstitutional?

    Send us a text A landmark case is currently before the Western Australian Supreme Court that could reshape surrogacy access for LGBTQ+ Australians and single men across the state.  In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Australia's Best Surrogacy Lawyer, Stephen Page breaks down a groundbreaking legal challenge to Western Australia's discriminatory surrogacy laws. With over 2,000 surrogacy journeys advised since 1988, Stephen explains why this case matters and what it could mean for intended parents who've been locked out of legal surrogacy pathways.  In this podcast, you'll learn:  ⚖️ How the WA Surrogacy Act currently excludes gay couples, single men, trans, intersex & non-binary individuals  ⚖️ Why this may breach the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act  ⚖️ Three crucial precedent cases from Victoria & South Australia  ⚖️ What's happening with the new ART & Surrogacy Bill in WA Parliament  ⚖️ Why one gay couple isn't willing to wait 18 months for change Reach Stephen at www.pageprovan.com.au Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    7 min

  4. NOV 30

    Mexico Surrogacy 2024: What Intended Parents NEED to Know About the New Supreme Court Ruling

    Send us a text 🇲🇽 Major news for international surrogacy! Mexico's Supreme Court just issued a landmark ruling that could change everything for intended parents considering surrogacy abroad.  In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Australia's Most Awarded & Best Surrogacy Lawyer, Stephen Page breaks down the July 2024 Mexican Supreme Court decision from Jalisco that establishes clear guidelines for obtaining amparo orders in surrogacy cases.  What you'll learn:  The two pathways to legal parentage through surrogacy in MexicoWhat an amparo order is and why it matters for intended parentsNew surrogate protection requirements (independent legal advice, counseling, medical consultation)The genetic connection requirement and what it means for your journeyHow foreigners retain the same surrogacy rights as Mexican citizens Whether you're a same-sex couple, single intended parent, or exploring your family-building options, this ruling reinforces Mexico's position as a viable international surrogacy destination with strong ethical protections. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    6 min

  5. NOV 27

    Brisbane to Host IFS World Congress 2027 — Huge News for Fertility Industry

    Send us a text Brisbane is about to become the global hub for fertility medicine — and this is HUGE news! 🇦🇺  In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen Page shares the exciting announcement that Brisbane has won the bid to host the IFS World Congress in April 2027 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFS) is the peak body representing fertility organizations worldwide, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ).  What to expect at IFS 2027 Brisbane:  World-leading IVF doctors & specialistsFertility counselors & nursesEmbryologists & researchersLegal experts in reproductive law Whether you're a fertility professional or simply passionate about reproductive medicine, this is an event you won't want to miss!   📅 Save the date: April 2027 | Brisbane, Australia Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    2 min

  6. NOV 20

    The ALRC Review of Surrogacy Laws

    Send us a text In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Australia's Best Surrogacy Lawyer, Stephen Page from Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers breaks down one of the most significant developments in Australian surrogacy law in years: the Australian Law Reform Commission’s newly released discussion paper on national surrogacy reform.  Recorded on 18 November, Stephen offers an early, expert-level briefing on what the ALRC is proposing and why this moment matters. He outlines the Commission’s vision for a consistent, nationwide regulatory framework governing both domestic surrogacy arrangements within Australia and international surrogacy for intended parents who travel overseas. The discussion paper goes deep—examining ethics, safeguards, parentage, legal processes, and cross-border implications—and Stephen previews the issues that will shape the national debate.  Stephen also draws attention to the breadth of submissions already published on the ALRC website. Many of these, he notes, express strongly anti-surrogacy views, a trend the broader community of intended parents, surrogates, donors, and fertility professionals should be aware of. With the consultation period closing on 19 December, he encourages anyone with lived experience or expertise to read the paper, understand the proposals, and consider making a submission before Christmas.  ⚠️ TAKE ACTION: Don't let anti-surrogacy voices dominate this conversation. Visit the ALRC surrogacy review page, read the discussion paper, and submit your feedback by December 19th.  🔗 ALRC Surrogacy Review: https://www.alrc.gov.au (search "surrogacy review") Need legal help with surrogacy? https://www.pageprovan.com.au Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    2 min

  7. OCT 17

    Spain Just Changed EVERYTHING About International Surrogacy Recognition!

    Send us a text If you're Spanish or hold Spanish citizenship and considering surrogacy abroad, this urgent legal update could completely change your family planning journey. Australia's leading fertility lawyer Stephen Page reveals the shocking new decree that's sending shockwaves through the international surrogacy community. In this essential podcast, discover: Spain's controversial new requirements for recognizing children born via international surrogacy Why biological proof or adoption is now MANDATORY for Spanish citizens The paradox of Spain's egg donation hub status vs. anti-surrogacy stance Potential European Court of Human Rights violations and what it means for YOU Critical legal strategies if you're affected by these changes ⏰ Don't wait until it's too late! These regulations are already in effect and could impact thousands of families worldwide. Whether you're currently in the surrogacy process or just starting your research, understanding these changes is absolutely crucial. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    3 min

  8. OCT 9

    Should You Go to Colombia for Surrogacy?

    Send us a text ⚠️ Before you book that flight to Colombia for surrogacy—listen to this episode. It could save you from a catastrophic legal crisis.  Stephen Page from Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers delivers a crucial warning about the hidden dangers of pursuing surrogacy in Colombia. While the country currently offers unregulated surrogacy with seemingly straightforward processes, the entire system is teetering on the edge of shutdown—and Australian intended parents could be caught in the crossfire.  In This Episode:  The imminent threat: Why Colombia may ban or severely restrict surrogacy in 2025Financial reality check: What $120,000 AUD actually gets you (and doesn't)Legal landmines: Criminal penalties facing Australians from multiple statesThe 6-18 month birth certificate nightmare and why it mattersLessons from past surrogacy crises in India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Mexico, Greece, and Argentina Stephen draws on years of experience navigating international surrogacy disasters to explain why Colombia's Constitutional Court warnings signal danger ahead. Discover why "getting in before the doors close" is the wrong strategy, and what Australian intended parents must know about cross-border surrogacy laws before taking any action. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    5 min
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Join Award-Winning Family & Surrogacy Lawyers, Bruce Provan and Stephen Page who interviews lawyers, doctors, counsellors, parents, surrogates, scientists, donors and others who are the moving parts bringing together the ability to form families through surrogacy, and when families fall apart. Interviewees talk about their personal journeys through life, leading to their passion in their respective fields.

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