Advice for International user (Australian tough donor laws)

Elle33

Hello and TIA, I am seeking advice regarding the use of donor sperm in Australia. I have just commenced this process, however each clinic stated purchasing sperm is illegal in Australia and there is a wait list with each of these clinics for use of their donors. For Australia clients did you travel for treatment or find a clinic willing to use purchased sperm. Also as they have a strict 10 families including donors own families policy did international births factor into this?

Elle33

Hello all, just FYI for anyone who maybe searching for answers as I am. Frustratingly Australian laws are tougher than expected. I contacted Genea who has a relationship with Fairfax cryobank, unfortunately there are limited donors compliant with Australian laws (have to be ID option, no more than 5 families worldwide including there own, probably others). As there are limited donors there is an 8 month waiting list in NSW. I have not been able to obtain details on my local waitlisted in Victoria however it sounds extensive. Canberra does not have waiting lists but same donor restrictions apply. They also require that you purchase a minimum 8 vials. I am trying to determine if care could occur in Victoria and travel for access. However getting time from work and financing will be a factor.

It would be great to hear if anyone else has experience with these types of restrictions.

Cleopatra

Hi Elle. We are a same sex couple in Canberra who have accessed sperm from Fairfax via our fertility clinic. There were no issues with using overseas sperm but they only had a relationship with Fairfax and the number of donors who met the Australia restrictions was limited (about 12 donors total - 2015). There was no waitlist and this is the first i've heard of a waitlist to use international sperm. I understand local Australian donors are very few. I'm unsure if a clinic in Canberra would accept patients from interstate but it is definitely worth a phone call.

Elle33

Thank you for this information. I'm in Victoria and had to apply to VARTA for approval to use a donor. If approved I can then review the donors list that meets Legal requirements. I believe there is 14 on list, none local, probably because of the legislation regarding donors. I feel strongly this legislation pushes women into unsafe situations.

I am also exploring traveling for ivf so I can use a donor of my choice, Spain seems appealing however the cost especially for multiple treatments may prevent this.