It’s normal to have lots of questions when you’re looking into utilising donor eggs. One question that future parents often ask us is whether their child will be able to know who their egg donor is.
The answer lies in something called identity release. It’s an important part of receiving donor eggs in Australia, and it’s something that Central Egg Bank is proud to support.
In this blog, we take a closer look at what it means, why it matters, and how we make sure both donors and recipients feel supported.
What is identity release?
In simple terms, identity release means that a child born from donor eggs has the right to access their donor’s identifying information once they are old enough.
The exact age depends on the state in which the child was conceived. In Victoria and New South Wales, this happens at 18 through the state’s Central Register. In Western Australia, young people can apply at 16 after receiving counselling. South Australia doesn’t yet have a register. Therefore, the donor-conceived child will need to apply through their clinic. In Queensland, there is also currently no formal register, although donor-conceived children can request this information directly through the clinic.
Wherever a child is born, the principle is the same. Donor-conceived offspring have the right to know the details of their donor when they reach adulthood, if they want to.
Why is identity release important for egg donor children?
For many donor-conceived people, having the option to learn about their genetic origins can be an important part of who they are. Some are interested in knowing about family history or health information. Others simply feel more at peace knowing they can access the details if they choose to.
It’s important to remember that identity release doesn’t mean a donor will appear in your child’s life. What it means is that your child has the option. When they come of age, they can request identifying information. Whether they decide to do that, or what comes after, is entirely up to them.
We believe this openness is a positive and progressive step. It allows families to be honest with their children, it removes secrecy, and most importantly, it puts the well-being of the child at the centre of everything.
Read: Egg donor selection: How to choose an egg donor.
What does identity release mean at Central Egg Bank
Every donor at Central Egg Bank is an identity-release donor. That means they give their consent for their identifying information to be available to donor-conceived children at the appropriate age.
We don’t take this lightly. Before a woman becomes a donor with us, she goes through a thoughtful process of screening and counselling. This ensures she understands exactly what identity release means, and that she feels comfortable with it – not just today, but in the future as well.
We also make sure recipients know what identity release involves, so you can feel reassured about how it all works. Our role is to keep everything transparent and respectful, so there are no surprises down the track.
The role of counselling in identity release
Each donor meets with local counsellors during the screening process, where they can explore how donation may affect them personally, as well as their relationships with their partner, family, or children.
Later, they also meet with an experienced Australian counsellor who is a member of ANZICA (the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association). In these sessions, the focus is on the long-term impact of identity release. Together, they talk through questions like, ‘How might it feel if a child contacts you one day?’, ‘What does it mean to be open to that?’ and ‘How do you view your role as a donor?’
These conversations are invaluable. They give donors space to reflect, and they often leave feeling reassured that identity release is not something to fear, but something that ultimately supports everyone involved.
Recipients are supported, too. We know that talking to your child about their donor story can feel daunting, and our team is here to provide guidance and resources. We believe that the more open and confident you feel, the easier it will be to share your child’s story with love and positivity.
Common questions about identity release
Will my child automatically meet their donor at 18?
No. Identity release means they have the right to request identifying information. Whether they choose to do so, and whether any contact follows, is entirely up to them and the donor.
Can the donor contact my child?
No. Identity release laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals conceived through donation. Donors cannot initiate contact. The choice rests with your child.
What happens if a donor changes their mind?
Donors are counselled thoroughly before donating to make sure that they’re comfortable with identity release from the start. This safeguards everyone involved.
What if I don’t want my child to know?
Experts encourage being open with your child from the very beginning. Sharing their story in gentle, age-appropriate ways helps them grow up with a strong sense of who they are and avoids the worry that can come from keeping things secret.
Why Central Egg Bank supports identity release
We see identity release as an important part of ethical egg donation. It protects children, supports families, and ensures that donors make informed, confident decisions. We don’t see it as a burden or a risk. In fact, it’s a way to make egg donation healthier, more transparent, and more supportive for everyone.
Ultimately, identity release is about choice. It gives donor-conceived people the right to know where they come from, and it gives families the peace of mind that their child’s future needs are being considered from the very beginning.
Central Egg Bank is here to guide you through every step of the identity release process. Whether you’re just starting to explore egg donation or you’re ready to begin treatment, you can rest assured that you’re in safe, caring hands.
If you’d like to learn more about identity release or have questions about egg donation, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our friendly team, and let’s take the next step together.
