Most DTC testing companies send your DNA sample to laboratories based overseas, even if the postal address was originally within Australia. This makes it difficult to determine if the companies’ laboratories are under the same quality control standards as Australian NATA-accredited laboratories which are highly regulated with strict policies for analysis, interpretation and storage of samples.

Read the privacy policy of DTC testing companies to ensure you’re aware of their policies and procedures for storing your data and/or DNA sample.

• Most DTC DNA testing companies retain your DNA sample (you may choose to opt-out if the option is given) and your genetic information until you decide to delete your account.
• In some cases, you may need to specifically request to have your DNA sample destroyed when you delete your personal data.
• Some DTC DNA testing companies may share your genetic information with third-party companies or parent companies.

In 2019-20, there were more than 4,000 donors on the Central Register.

A family storybook is an opportunity to document the story of your child's journey into this world. It can take many forms, limited only by your time and creativity - including a digital journal, a scrapbook, a children's book, a film, or even a memory box.

Regardless of the medium you choose, your family storybook can include images and mementos collected from your fertility treatment, the pregnancy, and any information you have about your family, your child and your donor or surrogate. These items can include: a positive pregnancy test, scan images, donor profile or photos of the surrogate or donor if you know them already, an ID bracelet, or a lock of hair.

You and your child can add to it over the years, including new cards, photos, or letters from the donor or surrogate.

A family storybook is a communication and documentation tool that helps to:

• Give a child conceived with the help of a donor or surrogate a piece of their history to enable them to tell their story from a place of security, pride and strength. It builds the child’s sense of identity, self-esteem and self-worth.
• Broaden the perspectives of parents who have used a donor or surrogate so they can be proud of the way they created their family.
• Promote good relations between parents, their children, and their family’s story.
• Retain memories of your journey to becoming a family.
• Enable the child to share their story with others.

People may be curious about whether you used a known or anonymous donor; whether you conceived at home or using a clinic; in Australia or overseas.

In same-sex families, questions may also be asked of how you decided which partner would carry your child or provide sperm. Gay Dads may choose not to reveal who is the biological father of their child born through surrogacy and lesbian Mums may not wish to share information about who the biological mother is.

People may ask questions that appear judgmental or homophobic, but which might just be clumsy, ignorant or not thought through. It can be helpful to give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes.

There are a number of scenarios and questions that you may be asked. How you respond is a personal choice. You can find a number of common scenarios below:

• It is common for people to comment on resemblance or ask about your pregnancy. This may feel awkward for you. If someone tells the non-biological parent their child looks like them, you can just smile, or say thank you - you do not have to explain anything more.
• If someone starts up a conversation with a non-biological parent about pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, you may choose to correct their assumptions - or you may choose not to if that person is a stranger.
• Some parents feel that conversations with others provide a good opportunity to educate people about your family, which can, in turn, have positive outcomes for your children. Talking to people can dispel myths, correct inaccuracies, or just make people feel more at ease with you and your family.
• You may feel that the process of conceiving a child is personal and private and nobody else’s business. You may sometimes need to be very direct with people and explain that certain information is private, off-limits, or belongs to your child.