This brochure provides an overview of the most common techniques involved with assisted reproductive technology (ART), including IVF, artificial insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This brochure is also available in Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese traditional and simplified.

Researchers at the University of Western Australia are investigating the reasons why people choose to tell or not tell members of their family and wider social network about their involvement in donor conception and are seeking participants in their study.

Who can participate?

Anyone who has participated in any type of donor conception programme (current or past):

Decision tool

This is an interactive decision tool for what to do with unused embryos to assist with decision-making for people who are having difficulty making their mind up. Decision tools are commonly used in other areas of health care to help patients resolve difficult choices around possible treatment options. Decision tools have not been used previously to assist with decision-making regarding unused embryos.

In 1979, when Aaron* answered a call for volunteer research participants at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital, he was surprised to find himself signing up to a sperm donation program. Now, more than 35 years later, Aaron has connected with two of his donor offspring and is seeking contact with others.