Australian Family and Fertility Law
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.
Iran Surrogacy: Critical Warning for Australian Intended Parents
Send us Fan Mail
Planning surrogacy in Iran? This urgent update could change everything. Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, issues a critical warning about current conditions in Tehran that make surrogacy travel extremely risky for Australian intended parents.
Iran has been a destination for Australian intended parents of Iranian heritage seeking surrogacy services, but recent developments have created dangerous conditions that cannot be ignored. From escalating security threats and detentions following regional conflicts to a catastrophic water crisis forcing residents to evacuate Tehran, the reality on the ground has drastically changed...
Shocking Surrogacy Numbers: What Australia Isn't Telling You
Send a text
What do the numbers really tell us about surrogacy in Australia? Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, reveals some eye-opening statistics from the Law Council of Australia's recent surrogacy conference that raise serious questions about citizenship, statelessness, and why Australia's surrogacy rate is double that of New Zealand.
In this episode of the Australian Family & Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen breaks down data from the Australian Law Reform Commission showing that dozens of children born through overseas surrogacy may have been denied Australian citizenship—potentially rendering them stateless. He also exa...
3 Countries You Should Never Use for Surrogacy
Send a text
Which countries should you absolutely avoid for international surrogacy? Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, breaks down Israel's groundbreaking "naughty list" approach to protecting intended parents and surrogates from exploitation.
In this episode of the Australian Family & Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen discusses Israel's decision to blacklist three specific countries for surrogacy—Albania, North Cyprus, and Kenya—and why this targeted approach may be more effective than blanket bans. Learn about the serious concerns around surrogate exploitation, trafficking risks, and lack of legal protections in these jurisdictions, and why Israel now...
Self-Represented Litigant in Family Court Australia: What You NEED to Know First
Send a text
Thinking about representing yourself in family court but unsure where to start? In this episode of the Page Provan Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Managing Director Bruce Provan breaks down everything you need to know about self-representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Bruce explains the rise of self-represented litigants, the option of unbundled legal services where you handle some tasks while a lawyer assists with others, and the critical protections available under Section 102NA for parties in domestic violence cases. Whether cost is a factor or you're...
Surrogacy Reform Wishlist: What Australia Needs to Change
Send a text
For every child born through surrogacy in Australia, four are born overseas. And it's not because Australians want to leave—it's because our laws are forcing them out.
Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers has spent 15 years fighting for reform. A decade ago, a House of Representatives committee recommended urgent national change. A decade later? Australia still has eight different surrogacy laws, discriminatory Medicare exclusions, and women who won't volunteer to be surrogates because they're the only ones not paid.
This is Stephen's comprehensive wishlist for how Au...
Can Children Born Through Surrogacy Have Secure Parentage Worldwide?
Send a text
Somewhere right now, a child born through international surrogacy doesn't know who their legal parents are—and no international law exists to protect them. Here's why that matters.
For over a decade, Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers has been fighting for international reform. In 2011, he was invited to lead a global effort to create a Hague Convention on international surrogacy—and what he discovered shocked him: children born through surrogacy across borders face a legal nightmare of inconsistent recognition, "limping parentage," and stateless uncertainty.
The problem? Euro...
Why Australia Needs a Human Rights Act
Send a text
Australia is the ONLY Western democracy without a national human rights act—so why are courts overseas protecting reproductive freedom while we're falling behind?
While Canada, the US, the UK, and New Zealand have all enshrined human rights protections in law, Australia remains the odd one out. And the stakes? They're higher than you think—especially when it comes to IVF, surrogacy, and your right to start a family.
In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers reveals why...
Is Surrogacy a Human Right?
Send a text
Is surrogacy a fundamental human right? From landmark Supreme Court rulings to stateless children caught between borders — the intersection of human rights and surrogacy law is more complex (and more urgent) than you might think.
In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers breaks down the key human rights at stake in surrogacy — including the right to procreate, the right to access assisted reproductive treatment (ART), the rights of the surrogate, and the child's right to identity. Stephen examines groundbreaking deci...
Lessons From My Own Surrogacy Journey
Send a text
In this episode, Stephen Page shares his deeply personal fertility and surrogacy journey — a story of hope, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, becoming a dad 👶💙
From knowing at just four years old that he wanted to be a father, to confronting infertility, emotional darkness, miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, and a four-year surrogacy journey, Stephen speaks openly about what it truly means to keep going when the path to parenthood is anything but easy.
🚫 This is not a legal talk.
❤️ This is a lived experience.
In this podcast, Stephen talks about:
How I Became a Fertility and Surrogacy Lawyer
Send a text
In this episode, Stephen Page shares his professional journey into surrogacy and fertility law — a career that has spanned almost four decades and more than 2,100 surrogacy journeys.
Following on from his personal fertility story, Stephen explains how lived experience, early family law work, advocacy for LGBTQ+ families, and a deep commitment to human rights shaped his path into one of the most complex and evolving areas of law.
This is a story about:
📜 How Stephen’s first surrogacy case in 1988 changed everything
⚖️ Practising during a time when all fo...
Can Gay Men Really Become Fathers Through Surrogacy in Australia?
Send a text
Can gay men really become fathers through surrogacy in Australia? Absolutely—and family law expert Stephen Page has helped over 1,000 LGBTQ+ individuals make that dream a reality.
In this heartfelt episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen Page from Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers shares his deeply personal journey as a gay man, proud husband, and father through surrogacy—while revealing insights from 2,000+ surrogacy cases spanning Australia and 39 countries worldwide.
🌈 What You'll Discover:
How surrogacy pathways have evolved for gay couples and single...A Landmark Win for LGBTQ+ Families in Australia!
Send a text
Can a gay couple finally secure legal parentage through traditional surrogacy in the ACT?
In this episode of the Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Australia's leading surrogacy lawyer Stephen Page breaks down a groundbreaking 2024 ACT Supreme Court case that's changing the game for intended parents across Australia.
What You'll Learn:
⚖️ How the ACT's updated Parentage Act 2004 now recognizes traditional surrogacy
🌏 Why IVF location no longer restricts your parentage order options
📋 How transitional provisions helped a same-sex couple achieve legal recognition
What really happens inside the world's largest ethical surrogacy conference?
Send a text
One of the World's leading surrogacy lawyers, Stephen Page takes you behind the scenes of the SEEDS (Society for Ethical Egg Donation and Surrogacy) conference in Orange County, California—and what he discovered challenged common assumptions about the surrogacy industry.
In this episode of The Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen shares eye-opening insights from nearly 400 industry professionals, including:
✨ Why 75-80% of surrogacy professionals are women—many former surrogates and egg donors themselves
✨ How the industry is prioritizing ethical practices and single embryo transfers
✨ The real conversations happening...
BREAKING: Another US Surrogacy Agency Collapses—Hundreds of Families Left Devastated
Send 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 prote...
Queensland's IVF Legislation Crisis
Send 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 Q...
Is the WA Surrogacy Act Unconstitutional?
Send 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, yo...
Mexico Surrogacy 2024: What Intended Parents NEED to Know About the New Supreme Court Ruling
Send 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...Brisbane to Host IFS World Congress 2027 — Huge News for Fertility Industry
Send 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...
The ALRC Review of Surrogacy Laws
Send 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 <...
Spain Just Changed EVERYTHING About International Surrogacy Recognition!
Send 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...
Should You Go to Colombia for Surrogacy?
Send 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 su...Surrogacy in Mexico: Important Update
Send a text
🇲🇽 PLOT TWIST: Why Mexico Surrogacy is Now SAFER Than the USA (Yes, You Read That Right!)
In a shocking reversal, fertility law expert Stephen Page reveals why Mexico has become a more stable surrogacy option than America post-Trump. But before you book that flight to Cancun, discover the hidden legal landmines that could land you in Australian prison for up to 3 YEARS!
Critical Intel for Australian Intended Parents:
Why Mexico's Supreme Court just made surrogacy a PROTECTED rightThe $3,000 government fee that could delay your journey by MONTHS...BREAKING: Trump's Executive Orders Could BLOCK Your American Surrogacy Baby From Coming Home!
Send a text
🚨 BREAKING: Trump's Executive Orders Could BLOCK Your American Surrogacy Baby From Coming Home!
What started as a $300,000 journey to parenthood could become a citizenship nightmare! Family law expert Stephen Page exposes how Donald Trump's radical birthright citizenship changes are threatening Australian families pursuing surrogacy in the USA – and why the cost of your American dream just became unpredictable.
URGENT UPDATES You Need to Know:
The executive order that could DENY your baby US citizenship (even if born on American soil!)Why anonymous egg/sperm donors just bec...SHOCKING: USA Surrogacy Now Costs $300,000+! Here's Your Complete 2025 Price Guide for EVERY Country
Send a text
💰 SHOCKING: USA Surrogacy Now Costs $300,000+! Here's Your Complete 2025 Price Guide for EVERY Country
Planning your surrogacy journey but confused by wildly different prices? Stephen Page, Australia's most experienced surrogacy lawyer (2000+ cases since 1988), breaks down EXACTLY what you'll pay in each country – from budget-friendly local options to premium US programs.
📊 2025 SURROGACY COSTS REVEALED:
🇦🇺 Australia: $70,000-$80,000 (cheapest option!)🇲🇽 Mexico: ~$120,000🇨🇴 Colombia: ~$120,000🇨🇦 Canada: ~$140,000🇺🇸 USA: $300,000+ (and climbing with exchange rates!)
💡 What You'll Learn:
WARNING: 90% of Chinese Australians Make These DEADLY Surrogacy Mistakes – Don't Be Next!
Send a text
⚠️ WARNING: 90% of Chinese Australians Make These DEADLY Surrogacy Mistakes – Don't Be Next!
WeChat groups are spreading DANGEROUS misinformation that's leaving Chinese Australian families with stateless children trapped overseas! Stephen Page, Australia's leading surrogacy lawyer with 2000+ successful cases since 1988, reveals the shocking truth about international surrogacy scams targeting the Chinese community.
🚨 CRITICAL WARNINGS Inside:
Why children born in China are STUCK there for YEARS (twins separated at age 5!)The Cambodia trafficking nightmare still happening in 2025Thailand's "sham marriage" trap that leads to prisonWhy WeChat surrogacy groups are your WOR...RECORD-BREAKING: 377 Australian babies born via overseas surrogacy in 2025
Send a text
🌍 RECORD-BREAKING: 377 Australian babies born via overseas surrogacy in 2025 – Where are Aussies going and WHY?
Discover the shocking truth about Australia's surrogacy boom as family law expert Stephen Page reveals exclusive government data on the top 11 countries where Australians are having babies through surrogacy. From the $300,000 price tag in the USA to the unexpected rise of Colombia and Argentina, this eye-opening episode exposes the real costs, legal risks, and surprising destinations shaping Australia's fertility future.
In this must-watch episode, you'll learn: • Why the USA hit a record 137 births de...
NSW Emergency: You Have 24-48 HOURS After Death to Retrieve Sperm – Here's EXACTLY What to Do
Send a text
🚨 NSW Emergency: You Have 24-48 HOURS After Death to Retrieve Sperm – Here's EXACTLY What to Do
When tragedy strikes in New South Wales, the clock starts ticking IMMEDIATELY. If you're hoping to preserve fertility options after losing a partner, this video contains life-changing information that most lawyers don't even know.
Fertility law expert Stephen Page exposes the confusing maze of NSW posthumous retrieval laws – and reveals the ONLY doctor and clinic currently performing these critical procedures in the entire state.
⚡ Essential Information You'll Learn:
Why the Sup...Your Partner Just Passed Away – You Have HOURS to Act! Critical Queensland Fertility Law Changes You MUST Know
Send a text
💔 Your Partner Just Passed Away – You Have HOURS to Act! Critical Queensland Fertility Law Changes You MUST Know
Time is everything when tragedy strikes. If you're facing the unthinkable loss of a partner and want to preserve the possibility of future children, this video could be the most important 5 minutes you'll ever watch.
Leading fertility lawyer Stephen Page reveals GAME-CHANGING reforms to Queensland's posthumous sperm retrieval laws that most people – and even some lawyers – don't know about yet.
⏰ Critical Information Inside:
Why you DON'T need expe...Planning International Surrogacy? This ONE Legal Mistake Could Devastate Your Family's Future!
Send a text
Before you book that flight or sign any surrogacy agreements overseas, STOP! In this crucial episode, leading Australian fertility lawyer Stephen Page reveals the hidden "limping parentage" trap that's catching unsuspecting intended parents off-guard – and could leave your child with incomplete legal recognition.
📍 What You'll Discover:
Why popular surrogacy destinations might NOT recognize both parents legallyThe shocking Queensland couple case that ended in prosecution referralsHow Chile, North Cyprus & other "surrogacy-friendly" countries create legal nightmaresThe critical difference between marketing promises and actual parental rightsWhy getting proper legal advice BEFORE starting saves h...Separated? Do You Need to Get Divorced?
Send a text
Do you REALLY need to get a divorce after separation? 🤔 The answer might surprise you!
In this podcast, Bruce Provan, Managing Director of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers in Brisbane, reveals the truth about divorce that most people don't know. Whether you've been separated for months or years, this essential guide breaks down everything you need to understand about the divorce process in Australia.
What you'll discover:
✅ The surprising truth about when divorce is actually necessary
✅ Why some couples never bother getting divorced (and when that's okay)
How to Formalise a Property Settlement
Send a text
⚠️ Did you know your ex could claim your assets DECADES after separation?
In this essential video, Bruce Provan from Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers reveals shocking real cases where ex-partners successfully claimed assets 23 YEARS after divorce!
Learn why formalising your property settlement isn't just paperwork—it's your financial protection.
What You'll Discover:
✅ The jaw-dropping lottery win case that changed everything
✅ Two foolproof ways to protect your assets after separation
✅ Why informal agreements could cost you thousands (or millions!)
✅ Simple steps to formalize your property settle...
Always Have a Surrogacy Back-up Plan
Send a text
Living overseas and planning international surrogacy? Don't make this critical mistake that could leave your baby stateless and homeless. Stephen Page reveals why Australians abroad MUST have a backup plan - even when everything seems straightforward.
You might think your surrogacy journey from Asia to the Americas will be seamless, but real-world cases from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia tell a different story. When international surrogacy hits unexpected roadblocks, families without proper planning face devastating consequences.
In this essential guide, you'll learn:
Why Australian cit...Don't Make this HUGE Surrogacy Mistake
Send a text
Are you considering surrogacy but unsure how to choose the right lawyer? These two shocking case studies will show you exactly why hiring an experienced surrogacy specialist could save you thousands of dollars and protect your family's future.
Join Stephen Page, Australia's most experienced surrogacy lawyer with over 2000 cases since 1988, as he breaks down two real court cases where even "accredited family law specialists" made costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided. From botched counseling requirements in NSW to a Brisbane couple facing criminal investigation - these stories reveal t...
How to Minimise the Cost of Separation & Divorce
Send a text
Going through a separation? This could save you thousands! 💰
Accredited Family Law Specialist, Bruce Provan from Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers reveals the insider secrets to minimising both the financial and emotional costs of separation. With 95% of court cases settling before trial, there's a smarter way to handle your separation without breaking the bank or your mental health.
In this essential episode, you'll discover:
✅ How to communicate effectively with your ex-partner (even when it's difficult)
✅ The #1 mistake that turns amicable separations into costly court battles
✅ Why being ope...
Criminalising Overseas Surrogacy: Ireland & Italy I'm Talking About You
Send a text
Ireland and Italy just made the SAME devastating mistake that's haunted Australia for 36 years - and it's about to backfire spectacularly! 🚨
Stephen Page exposes the shocking truth about criminalizing overseas surrogacy: it's a complete failure that's spread like a disease across multiple countries. From Queensland's 1988 "experiment" to Ireland and Italy's recent copycat laws, the evidence is damning.
The brutal reality revealed:
ZERO prosecutions across ALL countries with these lawsOver 3,000 Australian children born through overseas surrogacy since 20081,500+ from criminalized states alone - yet NO parents chargedTurkey tri...BREAKTHROUGH: 8 Children Born Through Mitochondrial Donation in the UK
Send a text
Family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page breaks down the incredible news from the UK where 8 healthy children (4 boys, 4 girls) have been born through groundbreaking mitochondrial donation technology. This life-saving treatment prevents devastating mitochondrial disease by using DNA from three people - but the donor's contribution is only 0.1%!
In this episode, discover:
How mitochondrial donation actually works and why it's revolutionaryAustralia's progress with Meave's Law passed in 2022Timeline for Australian clinical trials (targeting late 2026)What state and territory law changes are still neededThe $4 million government funding through Monash University
If yo...
Friday the 13th Brought GOOD luck for Overseas Surrogacy Families!
Send a text
December 13, 2024 marked a historic turning point for Australian families who've had children through overseas surrogacy. Family lawyer Stephen Page reveals how a seemingly "boring" regulation change has automatically recognized the parentage of thousands of children - without needing complex legal proceedings!
What changed on Black Friday 2024:
New Family Law Regulations 2024 replaced the outdated 1984 versionSection 69R now recognizes parents named on birth certificates from prescribed overseas jurisdictionsAutomatic presumption of parentage - no more legal uncertainty!
Countries now recognized include: Brazil, Canada (except Quebec), Colombia, Denmark, Greece, Gu...
Will I Get Prosecuted if I Do Surrogacy Overseas?
Send a text
Will you face criminal charges for overseas surrogacy? The shocking truth about prosecution risks that every Australian family needs to know! 🚨
Stephen Page from Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers breaks down the real legal risks of international surrogacy arrangements. While prosecutions are rare (only 6 documented cases since 1988), recent cases show the risks are NOT zero.
Key insights covered:
Historical prosecution data across Australian statesWhy Queensland, NSW, and ACT have the strictest lawsThe adoption loophole that catches Victorian and Tasmanian familiesReal case study: Lloyd and Com...What You Need to Know About Separation & Divorce
Send a text
Are you contemplating separation but don't know where to start? This crucial legal advice could save you from costly mistakes and protect your future.
Join Bruce Provan, Managing Director of Page provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, as he shares essential pre-separation tips that every person considering divorce needs to know. From securing your finances to protecting your children's interests, this comprehensive guide covers the critical steps you should take BEFORE announcing your separation.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
Should You Go to Iran for Surrogacy?
Send a text
🚨 Is Iran Actually a Surrogacy Destination?
You'd never expect Iran and California to have ANYTHING in common - but when it comes to surrogacy laws, they're practically twins! Family lawyer Stephen Page breaks down the shocking reality of surrogacy in Iran and why 5 Australian couples chose this unexpected destination.
Discover the surprising legal landscape that makes Iranian surrogacy surprisingly straightforward for heterosexual married couples, plus why egg donation is readily available despite what you might assume about the country's religious leadership. Stephen reveals how Iran's contract-based approach mirrors Calif...
