The Voluntary Register is a free service designed to help individuals connected through donor conception in Victoria, discover and connect with one another. For a match to occur, at least two people need to apply. This includes donors, donor-conceived adults, donor siblings, parents, partners, family members and descendants.
Once a match is identified, the Donor Conception Registrar will notify the applicants, and with everyone's consent, information can be exchanged.
If no match is available, the first applicant's details will remain on the register, ready to connect when someone linked to them applies in the future.
Information that can be kept on the Voluntary Register
Applicants can decide what information they wish to lodge. This can include information about:
- Medical history
- Family tree and cultural heritage
- Interests, hobbies and personality
- Photographs, letters, videos, toys, jewellery etc.
Applicants can also lodge information about their wishes for:
- Obtaining information about other persons in the Voluntary Register
- How another person whose name is in the Voluntary Register may obtain information about the applicant.
This could include the method of communication, or whether the applicant requests that they provide consent before any information about them is disclosed.
Donor Conception Registrar
The Donor Conception Registrar oversees the Central Register, which holds information about donors and individuals conceived through donor gametes during treatment procedures or artificial insemination. The Registrar is a Department of Health employee and plays a crucial role in supporting those connected through donor conception.
Under the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act (Vic), the Registrar is empowered to perform all necessary functions related to their responsibilities, including maintaining the Voluntary Register.
When handling applications, the Registrar provides explanatory materials tailored to the specific request (eg: pre1998 donor inquiries or Voluntary Register applications). This information may include, but is not limited to:
- Key requirements of the Act
- Implications of disclosing information
- Details about available services, such as counselling services, mental health support and intervention programs.
For further details about the Central Register, refer to section 53 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. For more information about the Donor Conception Registrar, see part 10 of the Act.
How to apply to the Voluntary Register
To submit your application, follow these steps:
- Complete the Voluntary Register Application Form
- Provide proof of identity – includes certified copies of two documents verifying your identity, such as - driver's licence
- passport, birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- Medicare card
- bank card.
- Submit your completed form to the Donor Conception Registrar.
Families or family members also have the option to submit a joint application.
Records search
The Donor Conception Registrar is responsible for searching the Voluntary Register to identify potential matches. When a match is found, the Registrar contacts each party to notify them.
To facilitate matching, the Registrar requires sufficient information to confirm that the parties are related, typically using a donor code. However, if existing records are incomplete or have been destroyed, it may not be possible to establish a link through the Voluntary Register.
In some cases, individuals have successfully connected with their donors or donor siblings through DNA testing or social networks. Please note that the Donor Conception Registrar does not provide DNA testing as part of the matching process.
What happens if there is no match?
If no corresponding entry is found on the Voluntary Register, the first applicant will need to wait until someone they connected with applies. As more people join the register, the likelihood of finding a match increases.
Applicant information can remain on the Voluntary Register indefinitely, and with pre-arranged consent, it can be shared with a matched applicant even though the original applicant has passed away.
Update your details
Applicants can inform the Registrar of any changes, including:
- Contact details
- New health or medical information relating to you or your immediate family
Outcome notification
When two or more applicants are matched on the Voluntary Register, each person will be contacted. Information can only be exchanged if all parties agree and no identifying information will be shared without consent.
Optional: Attend an information and support session
Matched applicants have the option to participate in a free information and support session after submitting a formal application.
During this session you will explore:
- Your motivations for applying and what you hope to achieve
- The potential impact of your application on yourself, the person involved, and close family and friends
- The implications of making contact
- The importance of setting realistic boundaries
- The emotions you may experience throughout the process
- Possible challenges in the search such as incomplete records or difficulty locating the subject.
Information exchange
The Donor Conception Registrar will facilitate the exchange of information that all applicants have agreed to share.
Reviewed 31 December 2024