‘Now you’re over twenty-one and back from overseas, I’ve decided it’s time to tell you something.’

When Lauren Burns learns she is donor conceived she begins a turbulent journey to discover the identity of her biological father.

Battling outdated legislation and a medical culture of silence, she enters a political campaign to pass world-first laws overturning decades of donor anonymity. She must also grapple with the radical rewriting of her history and sense of identity when she finally finds her biological father and discovers she is the granddaughter of a famous Australian writer and historian.

Lauren’s extraordinary story traverses the many moral and legislative dilemmas of assisted reproductive technology: the rights of the child and the donor, and the strange terrain to be navigated if and when the two parties ever meet.

More than a memoir, Triple Helix is also a detective drama and a critical examination of the fertility industry. It will open eyes, hearts and minds to the complexities of donor-assisted conception from the other side of the crib.

Praise for Triple Helix

  • “Eloquent and probing, this book will change minds, hearts and – without doubt – policy.”

    Clare Wright, OAM

  • “An amazing and compelling story, beautifully told.”

    Emeritus Professor Tom Griffiths

  • “A poignant and compelling story for all the genetically bewildered ‘miracle babies’ from the generation of anonymous paternity.”

    Caroline Jones, AO

  • “This is so much more than a beautifully written book. It is a journey into a discovery of self, kinship, and connection. Brilliant!”

    Professor Sonia Allan, OAM, Reproductive Health Law

  • “This is the most challenging story of resilience and courage. For anyone who has ever questioned his or her place in the world, this book is a must read.”

    John Pascoe, AC, CVO, former Chief Justice of the Family Court