Become a donor
If you have frozen eggs, sperm or embryos in storage, did you know that you can donate them to families in need?
We know that it can be a difficult decision to make, once you no longer require continued storage of your frozen eggs, sperm or embryos. There are options available to you, including donating the frozen gametes to families in need. Many people in Australia are looking for donors to help them achieve their dreams of having a family.
Why donate?
You might consider donating your frozen eggs, sperm or embryos because:
Who would you be helping?
Many people need donor eggs, sperm or embryos to achieve their dreams of parenthood. They might include:
- single women
- couples experiencing infertility
- men experiencing male infertility
- women experiencing female infertility
- LGBTQ+ couples
Who can donate?
If you're an Australian resident, meet the specific criteria laid out below, and are willing to help others in need, we'd love to hear from you.
In Australia, donation has to be made altruistically, meaning you won't be paid. It’s also important to understand that if you donate, your identifying information will be provided to VARTA (Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority), who maintain the Central and Voluntary donor register, so that a child can access these details once they turn 18.
Not all patients are eligible for donation. Contact our donor team to start the conversation below.
Can I donate my stored sperm?
- Your sperm was frozen between the ages of 23 & 45
- You are an Australian Resident
Can I donate my stored eggs?
- Your eggs were frozen between the ages of 23 and 35
- You are an Australian Resident
Can I donate my stored embryos?
- Your embryos were created between the ages of 23 and 40
- All parties involved in creating the embryo agree
- You are an Australian Resident
What's the process?
If you decide to generously donate your stored eggs, sperm or embryos, there are a few steps required:
- Mandatory Counselling sessions. This will discuss the emotional and legal implications of donating. If you have a partner, they'll need to attend the counselling sessions, too.
- Compiling a detailed medical history
- Genetics blood screening
Ready to chat?
Submit an enquiry and our experienced donor team will get in touch soon.
Supportive Counselling is Available
We know that this is a big decision, and want you to be aware that counselling is available if you'd like to discuss the emotional implications of donation prior to starting the process. As a previous patient with Melbourne IVF, counselling is available free of charge and we would be happy to arrange this for you.
FAQ's
Are there other options if I don't want to donate?
Other options if you're ready to cease storage of your eggs, sperm or embryos include:
- Donating them to science
- Telling the team that you're ready to have the items thawed and discarded
If you prefer to speak with one of our counsellors to discuss your options and what would be best for your individual circumstances, we would be happy to arrange this. Get in touch with us via 1800 111 483.
Can I be paid to donate?
In Australia, it’s illegal to take payment for any human tissue, including sperm, eggs or embryos. However, you can be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses you incur throughout the process of donating.
Can I anonymously donate?
The privacy of all donors is protected until the child is aged 18, however, once a child is born from a donation we are required to provide information regarding births of donor conceived offspring to VARTA, who will maintain the Central and Voluntary donor register. When the child is aged 18, they will be able to access this information.
The reason for this is that in the past, many donor conceived individuals have reported extreme distress about the lack of information about their biological parents. Nowadays, the possibility to receive this information once the child has turned 18, is considered an essential part of the process.
Will I be told if a child is born from my donation?
Donors will be notified by Melbourne IVF that a birth resulting from their donation has occurred and has been recorded on the Central Register at VARTA.