Anna Walsh

Anna Walsh is a Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Notre Dame Australia, specializing in the intersection of law and medical ethics. She holds a PhD in Law from UNDA, a Master of Bioethics from Harvard, and dual undergraduate honors degrees in Law and Nursing.

Her academic qualifications include:

• PhD in Law, University of Notre Dame Australia
• Master of Bioethics, Harvard University
• LLM (research), University of Sydney
• LLB (Honours)
• BNurs (Honours)
• Diploma of Legal Practice

Dr. Walsh's research centers on Medical Law and Bioethics, with deep expertise in Abortion Law and Conscientious Objection in healthcare. Her work critically examines legal frameworks governing reproductive rights, end-of-life decisions, and healthcare provider obligations, often addressing tensions between individual rights and public health imperatives. She brings unique perspective from her clinical nursing background and decade as a medical negligence litigation partner.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on evolving legal challenges in medical ethics, particularly abortion law reform in Australia, conscientious objection protections for healthcare workers, and pandemic-era vaccination policies. Her scholarship demonstrates rigorous engagement with statutory interpretation while addressing real-world clinical dilemmas through legal analysis.

Her distinguished recognition includes:

• Catholic Medical Association's Mary Glowrie Award for Excellence in Medicine (2021)
• 3MT Winner at University of Notre Dame Australia (2018)
• Women Lawyer of the Year in Private Practice, NSW Women Lawyers' Association (2011)

Dr. Walsh supervises HDR and Honours students in Medical Law, Mental Health Law, and Bioethics, leveraging her extensive litigation experience from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers where she handled high-profile medical negligence cases and coronial inquests. Her community engagement includes directorship at Women and Babies' Support and honorary membership in the McLeod Wheel of Friends (Cerebral Palsy Alliance). Professional affiliations span the Catholic Medical Association, Ethics Management Committee of the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship, and former roles in the Law Society of NSW committees.