South Australians are encouraged to have their say on the next phase of the state's donor conception register, which will give people the right to access crucial information about their genetic heritage and relatives.
The South Australian donor conception register, established in November 2021, uses an electronic register to store donor conception records – but donor-conceived people are still prevented or restricted from having access to information about their genetic parents.
Advocates have long called for this information to be made available to the donor- conceived community, regardless of when they were born, and establish a more open and transparent model.
A 2017 review of current laws led by Professor Sonia Allan – internationally renowned on donor-conception policy – also recommended improved access, which faced a series of delays in implementation.
A further round of public consultation in 2021 found growing support for change, with donor-conceived people, donors, recipient parents and stakeholders engaged across the country to help shape safe and respectful access to the register.
Victoria has successfully adopted these reforms since 2017, demonstrating over many years the benefits that increased access has for those involved and positive relationships formed where contact has occurred.
This follows Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania also recommending access to information for all donor-conceived people about their genetic relatives.
The Malinauskas Government now wants to bring South Australia in line with other states – and hear from the community on which model is most suitable.
Proposed changes include sharing key medical information between parties to highlight any health risks associated with the donor's medical history, giving donor- conceived people the option to include donor information on birth certificates, and removing lifelong anonymity for donors.
Additionally, the posthumous use of a woman's eggs – where the woman provided consent prior to their death – would also be made possible and provide gender equity, as current legislation only allows for the posthumous use of sperm.
Every donor, donor-conceived person over 18 and their parents will be able to specify their contact preferences, with counselling and other services also made available.
South Australians can share their views and find more information at
yoursay.sa.gov.au/revised-art-act-amendments
Consultation on the proposed reforms is open until Tuesday, 6 December 2022.
Quotes
Attributable to Chris Picton
We have seen a growing shift towards a more open and transparent model surrounding donor conception across the country.
It's now widely recognised how important it is for donor-conceived people to have access to genetic information for their long-term health.
It not only helps them plan for a family of their own – it could save their life knowing what risks they may face.
I'm calling on South Australians to weigh in on the future of donor conception in our state – and join those who have already embraced change.
Attributable to Expert Consultant on the Regulation of Assisted Reproduction Prof Sonia Allan
All of the proposed amendments will work together to support openness and honesty about donor conception, and to uphold the human rights of donor-conceived people.
Importantly it enables people to access records about their genetic heritage, their siblings and share important medical information.
The importance of public feedback cannot be overstated to develop a contemporary and exciting model that will support positive outcomes for all involved in donor conception.
