Children Born as a Result of Assisted Reproduction

In recognition of the rights of people conceived through assisted methods, the law changed from 1 April 2005. After this date anyone donating gametes (sperm or eggs) does so on the understanding that they will be identifiable to any person conceived as a result of their donation. The donor’s details (including full name) will be available to the relevant donor-conceived person once they reach the age of 18 (2023 onwards). However, while a person remains a child (ie under 18) they have no right to information about their birth or adoption.

Prior to 2005 donations were made on an understanding of anonymity. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority maintain a register to allow people conceived prior to 2005 to obtain non-identifying details of their donor parent. It is also possible for donors to ‘re-register’, indicating that they consent to identifying details being passed to relevant people.

More information is available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) The Authority's website is www.hfea.gov.uk.

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