Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

Gamete donation

The decision to donate to help an infertile person or couple is a serious one and may have life long consequences. Your doctor or counsellor at Fertility East will provide information on the medical aspects and will explore the social and emotional issues associated with your decision.

Donors, recipients and individuals all have legal rights and responsibilities.

Sperm, egg and embryo donation

The use of donor gametes (eggs, sperm and embryos) is designed to help recipients have a child when one or both partners have a form of infertility and are unable to conceive on their own.

Who can become a sperm donor?

Any healthy male aged between 18 and 40 years may be considered as a possible donor.

Who can become an egg donor?

Any healthy female between 18-35 years, preferably who has had children of their own, may be considered as a possible donor.

Who can become an embryo donor?

Extra embryos may result from completed IVF treatment. These embryos may be considered suitable for donation.

How are donors screened?

Each potential donor is thoroughly screened by Fertility East in order to minimize the risks of transmitting infectious diseases or inherited disorders. All donors are assessed medically by one of the Fertility East doctors. Donors and their partners (if applicable) are counselled regarding the ramifications of donation.

Are donors paid for donations?

Donations of gametes in Australia must be altruistic. No payments can be received for donation of gametes; however, there are no out of pocket costs for any donors.

Confidentiality and the access of identifying information

Donations can be made anonymously BUT under current NSW law (Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007) donors must consent to having identifying details accessible to any donor conceived child at the age of 18.

Legislation

Current NSW legislation has been in force since January 2010. In addition to donors being identifiable (i.e. when the child reaches 18 years and if desired can be given contact details for the donor) a donor register is also being kept.

Please review the relevant brochures at the bottom of the page at:

These brochures provide information on the following topics:

• Information for parents Information for donors
• Information for donor conceived individuals
• Information on the Central donor register in NSW

Under section 14 of the NSW Status of Children Act 1996, a semen donor is presumed not to be the legal father of any child born as a result of assisted reproduction using donor semen. This means that the donor will generally not be liable under the laws governing child support, inheritance and related issues. In most cases, the legal parents of the child will be the birth mother and her male partner, if she has one.

Consent

There are various consent provisions, which you must be aware of. These relate to:

• Withdrawal of consent;
• The requirement of your spouse/partner to consent (if you have one);
• What happens in the event of death;
• Other matters.

These will be covered in your counselling sessions and they will also be covered in the consent forms you sign.

It is important you understand the legal and moral implications of your decision, even if you already know the person.

Concerns

There are a number of issues that may arise from donating gametes, which you need to consider. These include:

• Becoming a genetic parent of children you may never know;
• Ethical or religious concerns;
• Legal implications of the use of donated reproductive material
• Whether a child may seek this information in the future.

Counselling

These and other issues are discussed with an approved counsellor at the clinic prior to donation.

More Information

If you are interested in obtaining more information about donation of gametes, please contact the Donor Co-ordinator at Fertility East on 02 93891177