Queensland moves to allow sperm donors to be identified by those conceived via donation

Recommendations supported by state government also include the establishment of a central donor register

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People conceived through sperm or egg donations may have greater access to their genetic history under a suite of recommendations accepted by the Queensland government.

In response to a parliamentary inquiry on the issue, the government has given in-principle support for donor-conceived persons to be legislatively provided with the right to know the identity of their donor and siblings when they turn 18.

Donors having access to information about donor-conceived persons was also supported.

Providing accurate and timely information will require a central donor conception register to be established in Queensland, according to the government.

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“Further consideration is required regarding the implementation, funding and resourcing implications to establish and maintain a register,” the government response says. A register would likely involve developing IT systems and digitising historical records.

The state’s attorney general, Shannon Fentiman, said access to genetic origins would not only enhance peoples’s wellbeing, but could allow them to manage their health more appropriately,

“Conception using donated sperm, eggs or embryos has given countless Queensland couples and individuals the precious gift of starting or extending a family,” she said on Tuesday.

“We must not lose sight of the unique needs of those who have been conceived through this process.”

The best way to obtain contact preferences of those involved, particularly for historical donor conception procedures, needed to be considered, the government said.

Donor Conceived Australia’s national director, Aimee Shackleton, said the changes came after 30 years of advocacy.

“Queensland donor-conceived people have the same rights to their medical and family history as any other Australian, including the option for facilitated contact with donors and siblings, with the consent of both parties,” she said.

Queensland does not have legislation to regulate donor conception practices or assisted reproductive technology services generally, including access to donor conception information, the government response says.

Timing for introduction of the required legislation will depend on consultation and working through the operational and implementation issues.

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