The donor conception registers have moved to VARTA

Changes to legislation governing donor conception in Victoria mean that on 1 March 2017, the state’s donor conception registers moved from the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) to VARTA. From that date, VARTA is managing both the Central Register and the Voluntary Register.

The relocation of the donor conception registers will ensure that VARTA can provide a ‘one-door-in’ service that will combine search facilities with information and support services for people wishing to apply to the registers and for those who are contacted as a result of applications for information.

Under the new system, VARTA’s Donor Conception Register Services will have greater scope to provide a comprehensive service to all parties affected by applications to the registers.

Guidelines for VARTA in managing the donor conception registers have been issued under section 100A(1) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 by the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services. The guidelines relate to the performance of functions and the exercise of powers of VARTA in managing the donor conception registers and in undertaking inquires to assist linking parties. The guidelines take effect from 1 March 2017.

Guidelines for VARTA in managing the donor conception registers

Any applications for information made to donor conception registers before 1 March 2017 will be processed by BDM. Responses which have not been completed by close of business on 28 February 2017 will be transferred to VARTA before opening of business on 1 March 2017.

From 9am on 1 March 2017 any queries regarding the donor conception registers should be directed to VARTA’s Donor Conception Register Services on +61 (03) 8622 0500.

Please post any new applications using the updated VARTA application forms to: VARTA, Level 30 570 Bourke St, Melbourne.