Identity Disclosure and Information Sharing in Donor Conception Regimes: The Unfulfilled Potential of Voluntary Registers

28 International Journal of Law, Policy and Family, 2014

32 Pages Posted: 25 Feb 2014

See all articles by Jenni Millbank

Jenni Millbank

University of Technology, Sydney, Faculty of Law

Date Written: February 24, 2014

Abstract

This article explores the scope and effectiveness of formal donor identity registers currently in operation in assisted conception regimes in Australia and the UK. In particular, it examines the function of voluntary registers which are intended to fill the gaps left by ‘central’ identity registers which mandate timed release of donor identity on request of donor conceived adults. There are three ‘gaps’ left by central registers identified here: conceptions which took place prior to the operation of the relevant registers; parents and offspring who desire access to identifying information or a means of making contact prior to the age set for information release under current registers; and parents and offspring who desire information not available under current registers, specifically, identifying information or a means of making contact with other offspring from the same donor. The article reflects on interviews with a set of 21 parents who had undertaken donor conception in Australia through licensed IVF treatment concerning their understandings of disclosure regimes and wishes for, and experience of, seeking information and contact.

Keywords: donor conception, assisted reproduction, donor identity, voluntary registers

JEL Classification: K19

Suggested Citation

Millbank, Jenni, Identity Disclosure and Information Sharing in Donor Conception Regimes: The Unfulfilled Potential of Voluntary Registers (February 24, 2014). 28 International Journal of Law, Policy and Family, 2014 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2400848

Jenni Millbank (Contact Author)

University of Technology, Sydney, Faculty of Law ( email )

Australia

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
51
Abstract Views
647
Rank
693,765
PlumX Metrics