Donor
Becoming a donor can raise many questions at the time of, and after donation. You may now be wondering if children were born using your donation, and what they might look like or if they share your interests and hobbies. Some donor-conceived people feel like they are missing part of their identity and would like to learn more about their donor or make connections with their donor.
When you made your donation, you may have chosen to donate anonymously. Due to the advancements in family DNA testing, it is now possible for people to find members of their family, even if the specific person they are searching for has not taken a DNA test. For example, if your sister or nephew uses a DNA test, a child born from your donation would match to them on the DNA website – this information could be used to find out more information about their donor family.
DCIS can provide support services for people who have been contacted through direct-to-consumer DNA testing.
The fertility clinic where you made your donation may be able to provide you with information about how many births resulted from your donation and give you your donor code. Unfortunately, there are instances where donor code records cannot be located, or the records no longer exist. DCIS and can make further enquiries on your behalf.
For donations made on or after 1 December 2004, donor offspring have a right to identifying information about the donor, as consent was provided at the point of donation.
Applying to the register for information
To join you must complete an online application form (PDF 1MB) and email to DCIS@health.wa.gov.au.
Confirmation of identity of an applicant is required prior to disclosure to processing. Documents required to confirm identity must be as specified by the Department of Justice to satisfy identity determination for an application (external site) for a certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
People engaged in professions listed on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website (external site), can certify a document as a true copy of a document.
You can photocopy your document, then write on it “this is a true copy of the original shown to me on (insert date of signing, person’s name and profession)” and take both to someone on the above list to verify and sign. Then email us a scan of the certified copy.
Access to information
The DCIS holds information provided to the register by donors, donor offspring and other relevant parties in Western Australia. The DCIS supports all people connected through donor conception in a fair and equitable manner.
If you are seeking information that you believe you are entitled to access, please reach out to the DCIS. Further information will assist us in assessing whether this is a possibility i.e. treatment details and consent forms.
| Donation prior to 1 April 1993 |
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Services
Free linking service for those connected through donor conception treatment.
Donors can join the register and lodge a contact preference with DCIS, choosing if or how they wish to have contact.
What information can I find out?
Types of information shared by previous applicants on the Voluntary Register, now known as the DCIS register, include:
- Medical history
- Physical features
- Cultural and family background
- Hobbies
- Photos
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
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| Donation 1 April 1993 onwards |
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Services
Donors can access non-identified information.
Free linking service for those connected through donor conception treatment.
Donors can join the register and lodge a contact preference with DCIS, choosing if or how they wish to have contact.
What information can I find out?
Types of information shared by previous applicants on the Voluntary Register, now known as the DCIS register, include:
- Medical history
- Physical features
- Cultural and family background
- Hobbies
- Photos
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
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| Donation 1 December 2004 onwards |
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Services
From this date forwards Donor Conceived children aged 16 years and over are entitled to access your identifying information. It is possible they might seek contact with you. Registering your contact preferences on the DCIS register is the best way to enable contact with mutual consent and consideration. DCIS offers information and counselling services to you free of charge.
You might also be interested in DCIS linking services.
Non-identifying information (consent not required)
The number of families treated, the number of offspring born to each woman, their gender and year of birth.
Types of information shared by previous applicants on the Voluntary Register, now known as the DCIS register, include:
- Medical history
- Physical features
- Cultural and family background
- Hobbies
- Photos
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
Donor offspring (16 years or older) can lodge a contact preference with DCIS, specifying if they want to be contacted or not. They also need to consent to releasing their identifying information.
Parent(s) of donor-conceived children (under 16 years) need to consent to release of identifying information.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the donor have any legal obligations?
A donor has no legal obligation to a child born as a result of a donation. While legislation enables donor-conceived people born from donations made on or after 1 December 2004 to obtain identifying information, there is no legal obligation for a donor to accept contact.
Will I be advised when donor offspring apply for identifying information about me?
Donors will be informed if any of their offspring apply for identifying information about them, using the contact details provided to the fertility clinic at the point of donation.
Are donors eligible for identifying information about their donor offspring?
Donors are not eligible for identifying information about their donor offspring. The fertility clinic where you made your donation should be able to provide you with information about how many births resulted from your donation. If you want to exchange information with your donor offspring, you can apply to join the register. If there is a match, both parties will be contacted to determine their wishes and consent about sharing information.
Where to get help
Donor Conception Information Service
Email: DCIS@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: 0457 619 376
Support groups
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.