Anne-Marie Hutchinson Memorial Lecture

A known sperm donor can make the path to parenthood feel more personal and familiar. However, knowing the donor does not necessarily make the legal position straightforward. Can that donor later be recognised as a parent? The answer is maybe. Australian law distinguishes between different circumstances of conception, including donation through an IVF clinic, home… Read More »Known sperm donor: can they claim parental rights?

A sperm donor is not necessarily a legal parent in Australia. Equally, describing a man as a “donor” does not automatically mean he cannot be one. The answer depends on how conception occurs and, particularly with a known donor, the understanding behind the arrangement and what happens after the child is born. That distinction matters… Read More »Is a sperm donor a legal parent in Australia?

Sperm donors in Australia cannot be paid a fee for their donation. They can, however, be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. That distinction is the starting point for understanding what is lawful and what could amount to a criminal offence. Australian sperm donation must be altruistic. A donor can help someone have a child without… Read More »Paid sperm donation in Australia: is it legal?