Where a child was conceived after 1 January 2010 as a result of ART treatment using a donated gamete the ART legislation requires that identifying information about the donor is held on the Central Register. Parents of children who were conceived after 1 January 2010 as a result of ART treatment using donated gametes can apply to the Central Register for non-identifying information about their child’s sperm, egg or embryo donor.
Identifying information about donors can be accessed by children conceived as a result of ART treatment with a donated gamete, when the child reaches 18 years of age. Prior to that time identifying information can only be provided in the event of a medical emergency or life threatening situation. Should this occur parents of those children, can apply to the Secretary of the NSW Ministry of Health for release of identifying information about their child’s donor.
In circumstances where disclosure is necessary to save the life of the child or to prevent serious damage to the child’s physical or psychological health and the information cannot reasonably be obtained by the parent in any other way information that identifies the donor can be provided to parents, but only if the disclosure of that information is reasonably necessary. Where the disclosure is considered necessary to prevent serious damage to the psychological health of a child the disclosure can only take place if a registered medical practitioner with expertise in mental health, or a registered psychologist, has certified in writing that the damage is likely to occur unless the disclosure takes place.
Parents of children conceived after 1 January 2010 as a result of ART treatment using donated sperm, eggs or embryos, can apply for release of mandatory non identifying information about the donor held on the Central Register by the NSW Ministry of Health i.e. the donor's ethnicity and physical characteristics, any medical history or genetic test results that are relevant to the future health of the offspring or their descendants, and the sex and date of birth of any other offspring of that donor.
To register or apply for information parents need to apply in writing by completing the application form on this site. Parents can also contact the NSW Ministry of Health in person or by phone to request that forms be sent to them. The completed form should be sent to the NSW Ministry of Health together with 100 certified points of identification.
Before applying for information the NSW Ministry of Health strongly recommends that parents discuss this matter with a counsellor.
When an authenticated match has been made the NSW Ministry of Health will notify you via Registered Post that a match has been made. To ensure you are able to receive the result in a supported way, you will also receive information about how to access counselling and the relevant ART Provider.
See The Central Register and the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further information about the Central Register, mandatory information on the Central Register and the process that the NSW Ministry of Health and NSW ART Providers undertake in order to facilitate the exchange of information.
Information for families who want to continue with ART treatment started before 1 January 2010
Address: DirectorRegulation and Compliance UnitNSW Ministry of HealthLocked Mail Bag 2030St Leonards NSW 1590
Email: MOH-ARTPHCU@health.nsw.gov.au
Telephone: (02) 9424 5955
