Bill Consultation Summary Report

How your feedback is helping shape the future of the donor conception register

Consultation on the Assisted Reproductive Treatment (Donor Conception Register) Amendment Bill 2021 (Amendment Bill) closed on 21 June 2021.

Feedback received through consultation on the Amendment Bill was overwhelmingly supportive of the establishment of the Donor Conception Register (DCR). It also identified many differing and complex legal, social, operational and ethical issues with respect to matters such as ensuring respectful and ethical access to the DCR; the disclosure of information; validation of records; the level of support to be provided to individuals and whether an alternative contact mechanism needs to be in place rather than a statement of wishes. A Bill Consultation Summary Report is available and provides an overview of the written submissions and survey results.

We know that access to genetic heritage information through the DCR may be life-changing for donors, donor-conceived persons and other relevant parties; and making connections with biological children, parents and relatives has the potential to be an extremely positive experience. However, consultation feedback indicated that if information is not provided in a safe, respectful and ethical way, this could have significant consequences for the mental health of those involved.

That’s why, it is imperative that the DCR model adopted within South Australia is evidence based, with appropriate expert clinical, ethical, legal and technical input.

We’re working through these matters, with the aim of developing a revised Bill for further consultation and introduction into Parliament as early as possible in 2022. Further details on a revised Bill will be posted on YourSAy in the coming months so you can have your say and/or see how your feedback influenced the Bill.

Once operational, South Australia will be one of only a handful of jurisdictions world-wide to establish an accessible DCR with retrospective effect. This is a great achievement, and one we want to get right to ensure a positive impact on people’s lives.

The establishment of a DCR in South Australia is underpinned by the key principle that the welfare of the child is paramount; we remain committed to ensuring that donor conceived persons have a right to access information about their genetic heritage, where available.

If you have questions about the DCR, please email HealthPolicyLegislation@sa.gov.au.