Introduction
Donor sperm treatment is an important fertility option for many individuals and couples who want to start or grow a family. Whether you’re a single woman, a same-sex couple, or in a relationship where male factor infertility is a concern, donor sperm may be part of your journey.
In Victoria, there are specific legal and ethical requirements that govern donor treatment. Understanding these, along with the various types of donor arrangements and treatment options, can help you feel more confident and informed.
💡 Note: This blog is general educational information only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. It reflects legislation and clinical guidance as of 2025, which may be subject to change. Please speak with your fertility specialist to discuss your situation in detail.
Legal Framework for Donor Sperm Treatment
In Victoria, donor sperm treatments are governed by the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. Key points include the below:
Donor Identity and Information Access
All donors must be identifiable. Children conceived via donor treatment have the right to access identifying information about their donor once they turn 18,
One of the pivotal aspects of Victoria’s legislation is the right of donor-conceived individuals to access information about their donors:
- Identifying Information: Donor-conceived individuals can apply for identifying information about their donor once they turn 18. This includes the donor’s name, date of birth, and donor code.
- Non-Identifying Information: Available at any age, this includes the donor’s physical characteristics, medical history, and other relevant details.
Applications for this information are managed through the Central Register, overseen by the Department of Health. Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Reasons, explaining their motivations for seeking the information. This process ensures that all parties’ rights and preferences are respected.
Donor information is stored on the Central Register managed by the Victorian Department of Health
Family Limits for Donors
A donor can only create a maximum of 10 families (including their own), known as the Victorian family limit. This prevents an excessive number of offspring from a single donor, to help maintain genetic diversity and reduces the risk of consanguinity within the population.
Donor Consent and Counselling
Before donating, individuals must provide informed consent and undergo counselling. This ensures that donors understand the implications of their donation, including the possibility of future contact from donor-conceived individuals.
💡 These legal safeguards aim to protect the rights of all parties—recipient parents, donors, and donor-conceived individuals.
Donor Conception Registers in Victoria
Victoria maintains two key registers to manage donor conception information:
Central Register
This register contains information about all donor treatments carried out in Victoria since 1988. It includes details about donors, recipients, and donor-conceived individuals.
Access to this register is regulated to protect the privacy and rights of all parties.
Voluntary Register
The Voluntary Register allows donors, donor-conceived individuals, and their families to voluntarily share information and establish contact. Participation is optional and based on mutual consent.
Considerations for Donor-Conceived Individuals
Understanding one’s genetic origins can be important for personal identity and medical history. Victoria’s legislation supports donor-conceived individuals in accessing information about their donors, promoting transparency and well-being.
It’s essential for donor-conceived individuals and their families to be aware of their rights and the processes involved in accessing donor information. Counselling services are available to support individuals through this journey.
Types of Donors: Clinic-Recruited vs Known Donors
There are two main types of sperm donors I can offer treatment with:
- Clinic-Recruited Donors
- These donors are screened, recruited, and approved through a licensed fertility clinic.
- Recipients receive non-identifying profiles including information on ethnicity, physical traits, education, interests, and medical history.
- Donor identity is released to donor-conceived individuals at age 18.
- Availability of clinic donor sperm can vary based on demand, ethnicity preferences, and matching criteria.
- At Genea Melbourne City, I am pleased to be able to offer donor sperm from Australia, America and Europe.
- Known Donors
- A friend or acquaintance chosen by the recipient.
- Must undergo the same screening and legal processes as clinic donors.
- Legal parentage and future contact agreements must be clearly discussed.
- Genetic counselling and psychosocial implications are equally important.
💡 Both types of donors must comply with the same legal, medical, and counselling requirements.
Donor Sperm Treatment Options: IUI, IVF and Reciprocal IVF
Treatment using donor sperm can be tailored to your personal situation, fertility goals, and medical background.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- The less invasive treatment.
- Donor sperm is inserted into the uterus on the day of ovulation.
- Best suited to individuals with good ovarian function and no significant fertility barriers.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Recommended for patients with more complex fertility factors, such as advanced age, blocked fallopian tubes, reduced ovarian reserve, or after failed IUI cycles.
- Involves egg collection, fertilisation in the lab using donor sperm, and transfer of a resulting embryo.
- Reciprocal IVF
- An option for same-sex couples requiring donor sperm.
- One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg collection; the other partner carries the resulting embryo.
- This allows both partners to participate biologically in the process.
💡 Note: I cannot offer clinic donor for embryo freezing unless there is an imminent intention to use it for fertility treatment. It is not permitted for general fertility preservation.
Counselling and Informed Consent
Before proceeding with donor sperm treatment, all recipients (and their partners, if applicable) must attend counselling sessions with an approved fertility counsellor.
These sessions cover:
- Ethical and emotional implications of using donor sperm
- Legal rights and responsibilities of all parties
- Future conversations with donor-conceived children
- Emotional support before and after treatment
Informed consent is a crucial part of this process and ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of the decisions being made.
Genetic Counselling and Donor Screening
Genetic counselling is also provided as part of the treatment process at Genea. This includes:
- Recipient and donor carrier screening: Ensures the donor is not a carrier for the same inheritable conditions as the recipient.
- Review of personal and family history of genetic conditions
- Discussion of available options if both parties are found to be carriers
Carrier screening tests typically include conditions like cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and fragile X syndrome, among others. Screening helps reduce the risk of passing on recessive genetic conditions to offspring.
Choosing a Donor: What Matters Most?
When choosing a clinic-recruited donor, you may be given access to a profile that includes:
- Ethnicity and physical attributes
- Personality traits and interests
- Education background
- Medical and family history
While selecting a donor is a deeply personal decision, I always encourage patients to focus on health history and values alignment, rather than seeking a ‘perfect match.’
Known donors must be assessed for suitability and undergo the same rigorous screening, regardless of relationship to the recipient.
Final Thoughts
Using donor sperm to build your family can be both a deeply meaningful and complex journey. Whether you’re a single woman, a same-sex couple, or navigating male infertility, understanding your rights and options can make the process smoother and more empowering.
At my Melbourne fertility practice, I work with Genea to offer inclusive, safe, and personalised care for individuals and couples exploring donor sperm treatment.
We provide:
- Transparent, ethical donor selection
- Access to both known and clinic-recruited sperm donors
- Advanced laboratory support
- Experienced guidance through every step
📍Dr Alice Huang – Fertility Specialist Melbourne
Book a consultation today and let’s explore your treatment options with donor sperm.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult with qualified professionals.