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23 Feb 2026
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) acknowledges the distress of patients who have voiced concerns about surgical treatment they have received, or are receiving, for endometriosis and pelvic pain.
By law, Ahpra cannot publicly discuss the details of our ongoing investigation into Melbourne-based, former obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Simon Gordon.
Ahpra’s primary consideration is patient safety and the prevention of harm.
We confirm that when investigating complex medical matters, Ahpra always draws upon specialist clinical advice. We take into consideration details about relevant previous notifications. In some circumstances, new information is received that necessitates reconsideration of a previous regulatory decision.
In relation to our current investigation, Ahpra is commissioning a panel of independent medical experts to review and support this work.
In addition, consistent with Ahpra's commitment to continuous improvement, we are actively reviewing our overall methodology in assessing and managing these types of cases, as well as the criteria for regulator intervention, noting that no individual case is the same. Investigations need to be rigorous, fair and timely. Should we need to change our approach, we will.
Ahpra understands that raising a notification can be distressing, and reducing that distress has been a priority. Our trained staff seek to take a person-centred approach and to support people through the process with care and sensitivity.
Ahpra has a specialised team of pathway navigators who can guide notifiers and provide additional support as they move through the notification journey. In addition, our Notifier Support Service, a team of qualified social workers, offers trauma informed support to people notifying us about sexual misconduct. These services are now being expanded to support women who contact Ahpra with concerns about their endometriosis or pelvic pain care.
If you have a concern about the healthcare you have received, we encourage you to contact us on 1300 361 041 or lodge an enquiry online
Further to this, every health practitioner has an obligation to notify Ahpra if they believe another practitioner is placing the public at risk by departing from accepted professional standards. So do employers. That’s a mandatory reporting requirement under the National Law.
Background
The Medical Board of Australia’s Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia requires doctors to practise in line with the professional standards, which includes considering and appropriately applying clinical guidelines.
Clinical guidance is set by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). In 2021, RANZCOG released its first guidelines around endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. In 2022, the Australian Government tasked RANZCOG with updating the guidelines into a living format to incorporate the latest evidence. The guidelines were most recently updated in May 2025.
