Sperm, Egg and Embryo Donation

The use of donor gametes (eggs/ova and sperm) and embryo donation 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.

The demand for donor sperm/eggs/embryos in Australia far exceeds that available from Australian donors.  Donation in Australia must be altruistic, whereby the donor only receives reimbursement for any costs incurred by donating. Understandably, the complex emotional and legal aspects of donating deter many people from altruistic donation.  However, like organ donation, it is a service which can have a profound effect on people’s lives.

This contrasts with some countries where donors are able to be paid and which have commercial sperm/egg/embryo banks.  Australian fertility clinics can purchase specific sperm/eggs/embryos from these banks.  Patients can choose specific donors according to the non-identifying information provided by the bank such as nationality, hair and eye colour, height, interests, religion, occupation and other information supplied.  Donor sperm/eggs/embryos from these banks varies in price and the amount of information supplied, however it is usually more expensive than that supplied from Australian donors.  It is necessary that patients requiring donor treatment are aware of the costs involved.

Donor sperm, eggs and embryos are placed in labelled, sealed containers and cryopreserved (frozen).  Once frozen they are stored in special tanks filled with liquid Nitrogen.  They are then available to be allocated to patients.

Counselling and informed consent is necessary for both donors and recipients of donor sperm/eggs/embryos.  Both donors and recipients also have legal rights and responsibilities. For further information please see the Donors of Sperm/Eggs/Embryos and Donor Confidentiality and Legal Rights sections on this website. 

Support Group

Australian Donor Conception Network     www.donorconceptionnetwork.org

A support group available for infertile people in Australia including those considering donor treatments.

Websites

The following websites contain helpful information:

  • www.nhmrc.gov.au  – ethical guidelines
  • www.legislation.act.gov.au  – Parentage Act 2004 – legal issues
  • www.xyandme.com – (resources for explaining donor conception to children)
  • www.dcnetwork.org  – Donor Conception Network (UK based)
  • www.healthlawcentral.com