When a donor makes the decision to provide sperm, eggs or embryos to an individual or a couple not known to them, this is known as a clinic-recruited donation. In this situation, the recipient has never met the donor, and the donor has the choice to remain unknown to the recipient. However, it is mandatory for a donor to agree to release their identifying information (name, date of birth, address) to a child conceived as a result of the donation once the child turns 16 years of age. Identifying information may be shared between a donor and their recipient family earlier, although this contact must be facilitated via the Donor Conception Information Service (DCIS). Please visit their website for more information, or see contact information below to speak with their wonderful team:
Donor Conception Information Service
Email: DCIS@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: 0457 619 376
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
You can visit the Donor Conception Information Service here.
Q: How many families can be created as a result of my donation?
A: In Western Australia, donors can donate to a maximum of five recipient families worldwide (excluding your own family).
Q: Is donor material paid or altruistic?
A: Only altruistic (unpaid) donation is permitted. This means donors cannot receive payment, but reasonable expenses (like travel or medical costs) may be reimbursed.
Q: What information is available to donor-conceived individuals and donors?
A: Donor-conceived children in WA can access identifying information (e.g., name, date of birth) about their donor from age 16 via the Donor Conception Information Service (DCIS). Donors and recipients may request non-identifying information, such as medical history, family history, number, age, gender of offspring, and the number of recipient families.
Q: Am I legally responsible for children born from my donation?
A: Donors have no legal or financial obligations toward children born as a result of their donation. Children born via donation are legally the children of the recipient(s).
Q: Can I specify who receives my donated sperm, eggs (oocytes) or embryos?
A: De-identified donors cannot specify recipients (e.g. based on race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or age). Concept Fertility allocates donor material equitably based on medical need.
Q: Why is counselling mandatory for everyone involved in donor conception?
A: Counselling is mandatory in Western Australia (and across most of Australia) for several important ethical, legal, and psychological reasons. Implications counselling is not about screening people out, but about ensuring everyone is making the best and most informed decision possible.
Q: Can I undergo treatment using multiple different donors?
A: Generally, no, particularly surrounding the use of sperm donations. Concept aims to manage limited donor resources fairly. Allowing recipients to use multiple donors could strain the limited donor supply and reduce equitable access for other patients on waitlists. You may elect to relinquish a donor and select a new donor only if you have not achieved a live birth using that donor, and once you no longer have any embryos remaining.
Q: How do you ensure that the correct donor material is used for my treatment?
A: Concept Fertility follows strict legal protocols, identity checking, and secure tracking systems to ensure the correct donor material is matched to the right recipient during every treatment cycle.
Contact our team to discuss becoming a donor or accessing donor sperm, eggs, or embryos.