Donor-conceived peoples’ right to access genetic history to be protected

The Queensland Government has paved the way for greater legislative rights and protections for donor-conceived people.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman today tabled the final response to the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee’s report in Parliament, which supports in principle all six recommendations made in the Committee’s Inquiry into matters relating to donor conception information report.

In conducting its inquiry, the Committee received 71 submissions from stakeholders, including donor-conceived people, donors, and industry stakeholders.

The Committee recommended the Government establish a central register of donor conception information, and that all donor-conceived people should have the right to know the identity of their donor once they have reached the age of 18, regardless of when they were born.

The Committee also recommended that support and counselling services are provided for people accessing the register.

The Queensland Government response to the report is available here: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2023/5723T231-FF1F.pdf

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman:

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

“We must not lose sight of the unique needs of those who have been conceived through this process.”

“Allowing donor-conceived people to access their genetic origins will enhance their well-being and allow them to manage their health appropriately.”

Quotes attributable to Donor Conceived Australia (DCA) National Director, Aimee Shackleton:

“The donor-conceived community has been advocating for these changes for over three decades, and we welcome these recommendations being progressed as a positive first step.”

“Queensland donor-conceived people have the same rights to their medical and family history as any other Australian, including the option for facilitated contact with donors and siblings, with the consent of both parties.”

“DCA is encouraged that the Queensland Government supports protecting these rights for donor-conceived people, similar to those in other Australian States and Territories.”

Quotes attributable to Professor Katharine Gelber:

“These changes will make a positive difference in how donor-conceived people live their lives.”

“I welcome the fact that the Queensland Government has supported in-principal the recommendation to establish a retrospective scheme.”

“The committee’s recommendations strike the right balance between protecting a donor-conceived person’s right to know their genetic origins and a donor’s right to privacy.”

ENDS

Media contact – Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719