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If the desire for a biological connection is strong enough to make adults choose donor conception over adoption, then it is the ultimate double standard to imagine that the desire for a biological connection will not be felt just as strongly by the donor-conceived person that results.

Rebecca Hamilton,

Behind Closed Doors: Moving Beyond Secrecy and Shame

New Zealand is among a minority of countries that have introduced laws removing donor anonymity in the context of third party-assisted conception. The introduction of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act 2004, enshrined in law the concept that donor-conceived individuals’ interest in knowing their genetic origins was prioritised over competing interests. This has set New Zealand apart from the majority of similar countries that have continued to facilitate anonymous donor conception.

In 2023 the HART Act donor registry turns 18 years old, marking a major milestone for the first children born from donor registry donors. On their 18th birthday donor conceived individuals gain the ability to access identifying information about their donor.

There is a growing call from support and advocacy groups, such as Donor Conceived Aotearoa, to explore the impact of the HART Act provisions, and for formalised support and resources for donor conceived adults to navigate contact with their donor.