Donor conception and surrogacy For many individuals and couples, assisted conception with donor eggs, donor sperm, or a surrogate makes possible what would otherwise be impossible.

Conceiving with donor sperm and donor eggs

Having a baby through donor sperm or eggs can be a confronting decision to consider, with an added layer of emotional complexity. However, for individuals pursuing solo parenthood, same-sex couples, and couples facing fertility challenges, it may be the best option for having a baby.

Through Genea Fertility, Flow Fertility has access to a diverse database of high-quality local and international egg and sperm donors. Once you and Dr Sacks have agreed that donor conception is the best way forward, the donor team at Genea will provide step-by-step guidance through the process, including medical screening, counselling, and donor selection.

Fertility treatment with donor sperm or donor eggs can be via IUI, IVF, or ICSI, depending on your own reproductive health and the condition of the sperm or eggs.

Should I consider using donor sperm or donor eggs?

Assisted reproduction with donor eggs or sperm can be a suitable solution for:

Single fathers and single mothers by choice embarking on solo parenthood
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
Heterosexual couples where one or both partners has a high risk of passing on a genetic condition
Couples affected by infertility, such as premature ovarian insufficiency in women or azoospermia (absence of sperm in the semen) in men

Donor conception can also be considered when you have not been successful with IVF using your own eggs or sperm.

Assisted reproduction regulations in Australia

In Australia, the use of donor eggs and sperm is subject to relevant legislation and regulations. These laws are designed to protect you as the recipient, your donor, and your donor-conceived children, covering issues such as the anonymity of your donor and parental obligations. Importantly, all sperm and egg donation must be altruistic, meaning a donor cannot approach you for payment.

Surrogacy in Australia

Also known as using a gestational carrier, surrogacy refers to another woman carrying your embryo through pregnancy. This embryo can be created through IVF or ICSI with your and your partner’s own egg and sperm, or with donor eggs or sperm.

Using a surrogate can be a valuable solution for women for whom a pregnancy would be unsafe or not possible, such as having a severe heart condition. It is also necessary for same-sex couples where neither partner is able to carry a pregnancy. As you must have a valid reason for considering surrogacy in Australia, whether medical or social reasons, your first consultation with Dr Sacks will confirm whether surrogacy is an appropriate option for you.

Similar to using donor sperm and eggs, surrogacy in Australia must adhere to certain legal regulations, including the surrogate not being entitled to any financial incentive for her involvement. Our team at Flow Fertility can facilitate and guide you through the surrogate process, which includes medical screening, counselling, and fertility treatment with IVF or ICSI.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a donor?

Selecting one egg or sperm donor out of hundreds of options can be one of the most overwhelming aspects of going through donor conception. When accessing the donor program at Genea, you are assigned a dedicated donor coordinator who will guide you through the process, including how to prioritise donor characteristics and other considerations to factor into your selection.

Can I use someone I know as a donor?

Yes, this is known as a patient-recruited or known donor. Known donors may be a family member, friend, colleague, or someone responding to your advertisement for a donor. However, if you are looking for a sperm donor, he cannot be related to the female partner providing the egg. Similarly, an egg donor cannot be related to the male partner providing the sperm.

How do I find a surrogate?

Given that a surrogacy in Australia must be entirely voluntary and not motivated by financial incentive, it can be challenging finding a surrogate. Most patients who do find a local surrogate do so from their social networks, such as a family or friend. Alternatively, some patients travel overseas to find a surrogate.