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What is a Known Donor (Intentional & Structured Donation)?
Information
Known Donors FAQs
The Defining Feature of Known Donation
A known donor is someone you:
• Already know and trust
• Have an established personal or community connection with
• Have had time to observe values, behaviour, and boundaries
• Can engage in open, honest discussions about expectations, roles, and limits
• The relationship exists before the decision to donate, and the donation occurs within the context of mutual respect and shared understanding.
Known Donors and Family Numbers
Because known donation is intentional and relationship-based:
• Donations are usually limited to one family or a small number of families
• There is greater awareness of the impact on donor-conceived children
• Decisions are often guided by ethical, emotional, and relational considerations rather than volume or availability
For many families, this aligns with values around identity, connection, and long-term wellbeing.
Known Donors vs Unregulated Donors
Known donation and unregulated donation are often incorrectly grouped together, but they are fundamentally different pathways.
A known donor is characterised by:
• A genuine, pre-existing relationship
• Mutual understanding and respect
• Time and space to negotiate boundaries and intentions
• Shared consideration for the future child
In contrast, unregulated donors are typically:
• Strangers sourced through online platforms or informal networks
• Individuals with no shared history or established trust
• Outside regulatory, legal, or accountability frameworks
• Often associated with higher donor family numbers and increased risk
The critical difference is relationship, intent, and accountability built over time.
What Known Donation is NOT
Known donation is often misunderstood. It is NOT:
❌ A stranger found online
❌ Someone you have only just met for the purpose of donation
❌ A donor who appears “known” only through repeated messaging
❌ A donor with unclear or shifting intentions
❌ A donor who resists legal agreements or boundary discussions
❌ A donor who minimises the importance of consent, screening, or transparency
❌ A donor who wants to undertake natural insemination (NI = sex)
A donor is not “known” simply because you have spoken online or met briefly.
Time, trust, and an established relationship matter.
Why Known Donation Matters
When approached thoughtfully and supported by appropriate legal and medical guidance, known donation can be a highly intentional and ethical pathway to family creation.
It allows families to:
• Prioritise openness and honesty from the start
• Reduce anonymity and secrecy for donor-conceived children
• Establish clear expectations about contact and roles
• Make informed decisions based on real knowledge of the donor
Known donation works best when it is intentional, informed, and supported — not rushed, pressured, or informal.
DISCLAIMER: We are a fully volunteer-run organisation. If you find any information on this website you believe is incorrect or needs updating, please let us know at hello@artfam.com.au.
Acknowledgement of Country
ARTFam & ASMBC acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and build our families. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present, and we honour the strength, knowledge, and enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to family, community, culture and Country.
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