Time to Tell children about how they were conceived.

Parents often struggle with the question of whether to and how to tell their children that they were conceived with the help of donor sperm or eggs or a surrogate, according to Louise Johnson, CEO of the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA).

“With around 6,000 children born in Victoria as a result of donated sperm, eggs or embryos since 1988, it is an important consideration for parents,” she says.

VARTA is holding its popular annual Time to Tell seminar on Saturday 31 May from 8.30am to 4pm at Northcote High School, St Georges Road, Northcote.

Speakers at the seminar include counsellors, parents from different families, donors and donor-conceived young people who will provide insight and advice on all aspects of talking to children about becoming a family with the help of a donor or surrogate.

Ms Johnson said: “Through international research, we know that donor-conceived adults want to know about their background. Our advice for parents is to be open and honest with their children from an early age about how, when and why they conceived with the help of others.”

“There are many other reasons why telling is important such as knowing your medical and genetic history but also the stress of keeping secrets can be harmful to family relationships” she added.

Children born from 2010 from donor treatment are able to apply, as an adult for a copy of their birth certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. An attachment to the birth certificate will inform them that further information about their birth is available from the Registry.

“It is much better that parents find the time to tell their children before they find out for themselves,” said Ms Johnson.

Tickets for the seminar cost $50 and include refreshments and a light lunch.