Comprehensive support for donors and patients
For some people, using donated eggs, sperm or embryos gives them their only chance to have a baby. Although it involves a relatively simple medical procedure, there are many complex long-term issues to consider before proceeding with this option.
IVFAustralia has a dedicated and experienced donor team, providing guidance and support for donors and recipients throughout the process.
The legal framework
IVFAustralia adheres closely to the national Australian Health Ethics Committee guidelines when providing any fertility treatment.
In Australia, it is illegal to buy or sell any human tissue, including sperm, eggs and embryos.
Under current NSW law, a child born from a donated egg, sperm or embryo is deemed to be the child of the birth mother. Donors are under no legal or financial obligation to the child.
In 2010 the NSW Health Department established a Central Register for donors and donor-conceived offspring. The NSW Health Central Register contains information about donors and children born as a result of ART treatment using donated gametes and surrogacy.
Once a child conceived using donated gametes or through surrogacy turns 18, they will be able to access certain information on the Register if they wish.
IVFAustralia does not offer a donor service for women beyond the natural age of menopause (51 years of age) or to someone whose health could be compromised by a pregnancy.
Surrogacy laws
Under the Surrogacy Act 2011, the commissioning couple can apply for parentage to be transferred to them. Until the parentage order legally takes effect, the child is deemed to be the child of the birth mother.
Talking about donor origins
Many individuals who have been conceived from past donor sperm practices have expressed deep distress about the effects on them. Nowadays, a much more open approach is taken and all donors are counselled about the long-term implications for them of these possible relationships in the future.
It is up to the parents of the child to explain, when they feel it’s appropriate, the way in which the child was conceived. Our experience shows that the more openly available this information is, the more successful the outcome for everyone.
