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
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: Suggested Citation