Changes to the law – donor conception information register
On 19 September 2024, the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2024 received Royal Assent.
The new Act will:
- improve assisted reproductive technology services in Queensland
- provide a donor conception information register.
Queensland Health has information on the new regulation of assisted reproductive technology service.
The donor conception information register
The donor conception information register will hold details about donor conception procedures in Queensland that resulted in the birth of a donor conceived person.
Certain people can access information from the register. Donor conceived people can access information about the donor’s genetic history and identity—helping them manage their health and wellbeing. They can also access non-identifying information about any siblings born to the same donor, and exchange contact details with permission.
It is intended to include all available historical and future information about donor conception procedures done through:
- fertility clinics
- hospitals
- doctor's surgeries.
The register may also hold information about informal donor conception procedures that did not occur through a medical setting, if that information has been voluntarily provided.
Timing of change
New laws relating to the register do not start immediately after being passed by Parliament, as we are developing the new system and service for the register.
When the new system and service are ready, there will be 2 stages for the new laws to start:
- Collection of records—the collection of information from medical settings will start first.
- Access to records—6 months after information is collected, eligible people (such as donor-conceived people, donors and recipient parents) can apply for information in the register.
Let us know if you would like to be told when the new law will start.
More information
Learn more about the new Act if you are: