Queensland Government acts to protect rights of donor-conceived people

The rights of donor-conceived Queenslanders to access genetic information about their donors to manage their health and personal wellbeing will be considered by the Queensland Parliament.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said she had today asked Parliament to refer the important matter to the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee for inquiry.

“Conception using donated sperm, eggs or embryos has given countless Queensland couples and individuals the precious gift of starting or extending a family,” Minister Fentiman said.

“For those people who are donor-conceived, it is important that they can access information about their genetic identity to better understand their origins and to manage their health appropriately.

“That’s why the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee will examine this issue carefully, and to determine whether a statutory register of donor conception information should be established in Queensland.

“The Committee will consider the extent to which identifying information about donors should be given to donor-conceived persons, while also taking donors’ right to privacy into consideration.”

Under the Terms of Reference, the Committee will consider the experiences of donor-conceived people in accessing information under the current Queensland framework, as well as the views of donors and industry stakeholders, and governance and regulatory frameworks operating in other Australian jurisdictions.

Minister Fentiman said in addition to donor-conceived people, the Committee would also consider the ability of their parents and siblings to access information.

“Another important issue will be how identifying information about donors can be collected and disclosed for donations made on the condition of anonymity,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Clearly there is a balance to be struck between donors’ rights to privacy and
donor-conceived people’s right to information.

“However, I believe all Queensland children should grow up knowing their origins, with access to the genetic information they need to manage their health, wellbeing and sense of identity.

“I look forward to seeing the Committee’s recommendations.”

The Parliamentary Inquiry into access to donor conception information is expected to report its findings by 31 August 2022.

ENDS

Media contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719