April 2, 2025

Expanded Definition of Infertility Recognises Queer Pathways to Parenthood

Rainbow Families is celebrating a significant advocacy win following the Federal Government’s acceptance of an updated definition of infertility, which now includes LGBTQ+ people and single people. The change removes longstanding barriers to Medicare rebates for assisted reproductive technology (ART), including IVF and IUI.

This change comes after a year-long campaign led by Rainbow Families and will bring more equitable access to fertility care across Australia.

“We’ve heard from community for a long time now about the discrimination they face when starting a family using an IVF clinic,” said Ashley Scott, Executive Officer of Rainbow Families.
“Some people were able to access the Medicare rebate on their first attempt, while others had to prove they were medically infertile — sometimes after three failed rounds of IVF or IUI. Even within the same clinics, there was a lack of consistency.”

In 2024, Rainbow Families surveyed LGBTQ+ community members and heard firsthand accounts of unequal access to ART rebates — ranging from inclusive, affirming care to deeply discriminatory experiences.

“We’ve been actively lobbying the Federal Government to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are treated like any other family,” said Scott. “This week’s announcement is a massive win for our community.”

Rainbow Families understands that IVF clinics have now received formal communication from the Federal Health Department outlining the updated eligibility criteria, removing relationship status, gender identity, and sexual orientation as barriers to accessing Medicare rebates for ART.

This change comes as a huge relief to many LGBTQ+ people who have faced inconsistent and often discriminatory treatment when trying to start a family.

“As a queer woman starting a family with my partner, it felt like we had to prove our worth just to be eligible for basic healthcare support. This change is more than policy, it’s recognition that our family is valid from the start,” said Casey, a community member in Brisbane.

Still More to Do

While this is a major step forward, Rainbow Families notes that the fight for equality in reproductive care is not over.

“Surrogacy is still excluded from the Medicare rebate,” said Scott. “We will continue to advocate for this to change so that all LGBTQ+ people — including gay dads and people using surrogacy — have equal access to family-building support.”

Media enquiries can be directed to Ashley Scott – [email protected] or 0481565958

About Rainbow Families

Rainbow Families is a not-for-profit charity, providing a network of support to children and families within the LGBTQ+ community. We work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, providing research, education and information to address discrimination and disadvantage, raise awareness, and promote acceptance for LGBTQ+ families.