Gamete donation
The decision to donate to help an infertile person or
couple is a serious one and may have life long consequences. Your doctor
or counsellor at Canberra Fertility Centre will provide information on
the medical aspects and will explore the social and emotional issues associated
with your decision.
Donors, recipients and individuals all have legal rights and responsibilities.
Sperm, egg and embryo donation
The use of donor gametes (eggs, sperm and embryos) is designed
to help recipients have a child when one or both partners have a form of infertility
and are unable to conceive on their own.
Who can become a sperm donor?
Any healthy male aged between 18 and 40 years may be considered as a possible
donor.
Who can become an egg donor?
Any healthy female between 18-35 years, who has had children of their own,
may be considered as a possible donor.
Who can become an embryo donor?
Extra embryos may result from completed IVF treatment. These embryos may
be considered suitable for donation.
How are donors screened?
Each potential donor is thoroughly screened by Canberra Fertility Centre
in order to minimize the risks of transmitting infectious diseases or inherited
disorders. All donors are assessed medically by one of the Canberra Fertility
Centre doctors. Donors and their partners (if applicable) are counselled
regarding the ramifications of donation.
Are donors paid for donations?
Donations of gametes in Australia must be altruistic. No payments can be
received for donation of gametes; however, there are no out of pocket costs
for any donors.
Confidentiality and the access of identifying information
Donations can be made anonymously BUT under present guidelines a donor
must consent to having identifying details accessible to any donor conceived
child at the age of 18.
These details are: full name, address and
date of birth. (See NHMRC “Ethical
guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice
and research” Sept. 2004 — www.nhmrc.gov.au).
Other information about the donor and the outcomes of the treatment is stored
in clinic records. Strict practices apply to the protection of confidentiality.
Non-identifying information made available
to the recipients includes the donor’s
physical characteristics, family background,
level of education, marital status, number
of children in own family, area of occupation,
blood group, interests, hobbies and a summarized
personal health history.
The donor may wish to provide further information on a social history form
which may be passed on to recipients.
Legal rights and responsibilities
Your legal rights and responsibilities in NSW are covered by the Parentage
Act 2004. This states that the domestic partner of the recipient is presumed
to be a parent of any child born from the donation of gametes or embryos.
The donor is conclusively presumed not to be a parent (mother or father)
of any child born as a result of pregnancy. Hence the donor has no rights
in relation to the child and no responsibilities, even if the donor is
known to the recipient.
Consent
There are various consent provisions which you must be aware of. These
relate to:
• Withdrawal of consent;
• The requirement of your spouse/partner to consent (if you have one);
• What happens in the event of death;
• Other matters.
These will be covered in your counselling sessions and they will also be
covered in the consent forms you sign.
It is important you understand the legal and moral implications of your
decision, even if you already know the person.
Concerns
A number of issues may arise from donating gametes, which you may need
to consider. These include:
• Becoming a genetic parent of children you may never know;
• Ethical or religious concerns;
• Legal implications of the use of donated reproductive material
• Whether a child may seek this information in the future.
Counselling
These and other issues are discussed with an approved counsellor at the
clinic prior to donation.
More Information
If you are interested in obtaining more information about donation of gametes,
please contact Canberra Fertility Centre on 02 6282 5458.
