Donor conceived
Sentiments and thoughts around being donor-conceived can vary greatly from person to person. Some people want to build relationships with their donor and donor-siblings and others might just like to know more about their donor’s medical history.
Applying to the register for information
You can apply for identifying information about your donor and non-identifying information about your siblings. Information provided will depend on i) the type of consent your parent(s) and donor completed at the time of treatment, and ii) the contact preferences of each individual. To do this 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.
Prior to receiving the information, you will need to attend a mandatory confidential information and support session. The service is free and KEMH will coordinate this appointment with you. You are also entitled to a non-mandatory follow-up support session. The support session will discuss:
- what you hope will be the outcome of making the application
- what donor information (identifying and non-identifying) will be provided
- possible implications of receiving the information for you, your family, the donor and the people they are close to
- the options of contacting a donor and potential positive or negative outcomes
- confidentiality requirements of the information provided
- where and how to access further support if required
- whether you would like follow-up from a counsellor after you have received the donor’s identifying information.
The information and support session will include a discussion of ‘where to next’. Some people prefer basic information and might not want to do anything further. Others may want to search and connect with their donor. All possibilities will be discussed during the session.
Access to information
The DCIS holds mandatory and voluntary 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.
| Under 16 years old |
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Services
Free linking service, through your parent/guardian, for those connected through donor conception treatment.
Your parent/guardian must apply to the DCIS.
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
Non-identifying information (consent not required):
The number of families treated, the number of offspring born to each woman, their gender and age.
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
No consent required for non-identified information.
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| 16 – 17 year olds |
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Services
Free information and counselling services. On application, DCIS will conduct a search (identified and non-identified information), and upon completion of counselling, will provide you with an information certificate. Application fees are waived. DCIS is not always able to provide verifiable information.
Identifying information (consented at donation).
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.
|
| 17 – 30 year olds |
|
Services
Free information and counselling services. On application, DCIS will conduct a search (identified and non-identified information), and upon completion of counselling, will provide you with an information certificate. Application fees are waived. DCIS is not always able to provide verifiable information.
Identifying information (consented at donation).
Free linking service for those connected through donor conception treatment.
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
Where available 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.
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
No consent required for non-identified information.
|
| Over 30 years old |
|
Services
Free linking service for those connected through donor conception treatment.
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
Where available 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.
Is consent required?
Yes, all parties must consent prior to information being released.
No consent required for non-identified information.
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Frequently asked questions
I was born in another state using sperm from WA, am I eligible to receive identifying information?
If a donation from WA was used on or after 1 December 2004, regardless of what state a child is born in, the WA legislation is applicable and you can apply for donor identifying information. If a child was conceived in another state, they will need to contact the fertility clinic or regulator (Victoria, New South Wales, New Zealand and the United Kingdom).
Can I obtain information about donor-siblings?
Donor-conceived people are not eligible for identifying information about other offspring born from the same donor. You or your parents (if you are under 18) can apply to join the register and if other siblings have also joined, you may be matched with them. Donor-conceived people can register their details to learn the year and sex at birth of any donor-siblings, where records are available.
Ready to join?
It is important to think about the decisions that you and your family may face when trying to connect with donor-conceived relatives. You may want to consider how you might feel if:
- you don’t have a match on the register
- you have a match and a donor-related person wants to contact you
- you find out you have many donor-siblings
- ·no information is available.
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.