Addressing the ethical, regulatory and social implications of unregulated online sperm donation in Australia
Increasing numbers of Australians are accessing and providing sperm through online platforms and social media rather than regulated fertility clinics. While online sperm donation may offer a more affordable and accessible pathway to parenthood, it also raises important ethical, legal, and health concerns for donors, recipient parents, and donor conceived people.
This project investigates why people choose online sperm donation, how they experience both formal and informal donation pathways, and the challenges created by Australia's growing dual system of sperm donation. Combining social research, bioethics, and legal analysis, the project will examine the motivations, risks, and regulatory issues associated with online donation.
Working closely with donors, recipients, donor-conceived people, fertility professionals, and policymakers, the research will develop practical recommendations to improve the accessibility, safety, and fairness of sperm donation in Australia.
This research is funded by the Australian Research Council
Project Outputs
- 2026 Presentations: Volks, C., Johnston, M., Mills, C. (2026). ESHRE.