donorconceived

Donor-conceived describes a person who was conceived with donated gametes, such as sperm or eggs, or through embryo donation, often via assisted reproductive technologies like insemination or in vitro fertilization. The term emphasizes the genetic contribution of a donor in contrast to the social parents who raise the child. It is used by individuals, families, clinicians, and researchers to discuss experiences, rights, and policies related to donor conception.

Access to information about the donor varies by jurisdiction and program. Some donors are anonymous, with limited or no identifying information provided to the offspring. Others participate in identity-release arrangements, where donor details can be accessed by the donor-conceived person once they reach adulthood. Medical history and screening information may be available through clinics or registries, but the extent of data sharing depends on local laws, clinic policies, and donor consent.

Legal and ethical considerations surrounding donor-conceived individuals include the right to know one’s genetic origins, privacy rights of donors and recipient families, and the balance between transparency and donor anonymity. Regulations often address donor screening, limits on the number of offspring per donor, and the availability of records. Some countries have shifted toward greater donor identifiability to support donor-conceived people, while others maintain strict anonymity or opacity.

Social aspects involve relationships with donors, potential connections with half-siblings or extended donor families, and the impact on identity and family dynamics. Donor-conceived communities and support networks provide resources on disclosure, medical history, and navigating personal and legal questions related to growing up with donor conception.