In order to ensure your suitability for egg donation, the following requirements must be met:
Specialist Appointment: A specialist appointment is required with one of our doctors to ensure your suitability to donate your eggs.
First Blood Test: A screening blood and saliva test will be required to ensure that your health status is appropriate as a Concept Donor.
Counselling: A counselling session with a Reproductive Technology Council approved counsellor will be required prior to donation, with a second possible appointment at the discretion of the counsellor. The purpose of counselling is to discuss issues and implications specific to the donation of your eggs.
Declarations: The declaration forms enclosed should be completed and returned to the Donor Coordinator prior to the end of the quarantine period (see below). Please ensure that these declarations have been signed and witnessed.
Egg Collection: Our Nurse Coordinators will guide you through the egg collection process, including medications, relevant blood tests and ultrasound tracking. They will liaison with the specialist monitoring your cycle.
Quarantine Period: The quarantine period takes place over a period of three months, during which time your eggs are frozen in anticipation of your final blood test to assess any possible change in health status. This period commences from the date of your egg collection.
Final Blood Test: A blood test is required three months after your egg collection, after which time your gametes (eggs) can be offered to a person or couple seeking a donor.
Important Considerations
Consent
Your consent to donate can be withdrawn at any time during this process. Your right to withdraw consent only ceases once the donated gametes have been used in the fertility treatment of another couple.
The quarantine period can be utilised as an excellent opportunity to carefully consider your options as discussed with the counsellor and withdraw from the donation process should you wish to do so during this time.
Parentage
In accordance with the Artificial Conception Act 1985, any child born as a result of your donation is the legal child of the birthing mother alone where single, or in conjunction with her husband or de-facto partner.
Anonymity
Although your personal details are unknown to the recipient at the time of donation, Federal law dictates that the child conceived from your donation may access your identifying information once they have reached 16 years of age.
Reimbursement
Donation in Australia is altruistic in nature, therefore payment for your donation is not permissible by law. However, you will be compensated travel costs, should you wish to claim this.
Thank you for considering becoming a donor. We appreciate the significance and understand the complexities involved in making this decision and will support you every step of the way.
