If you have been advised that having an egg donor is the best option, then you may be wondering where to start. One of the first things that you will want to consider is the type of donor. There are many different egg donors and choice varies from country to country. As it can be tricky to get your head around all of the jargon, we decided to create this handy guide for you.
Anonymous
An anonymous egg donor is exactly what it means. There is no identifiable information shared with the recipient or, later in life, with the child. When you select an anonymous donor, you will only learn basic information such as physical characteristics, education level, and nationality. The clinic cannot provide photographs of the donor, either current, past or of family members. Most European countries have an anonymous donor policy.
Non – Anonymous
This is the opposite of anonymous. The donor agrees that they will share identifiable personal information with the child born as a result of the donation. The child must reach the age of consent, which is generally 18 years of age. When you opt for a non-anonymous donor, you will most likely be able to see photographs.
Open Donor
This is similar to a non-anonymous donor. It may be that the donor and recipient agree to exchange details, including identifiable information. If the donor and recipient were to meet, it would have to be a mutual decision.
Known Donor
There is already a close relationship between the donor and the recipient. It could be a friend, or a family member. Both the donor and recipient should have a clear understanding of the process and what to expect. If you are looking to use a known donor, please ask your chosen clinic if they are happy for you to do so.
Mixed Anonymity
This involves a limited amount of information being shared between the donor and the recipient and may involve an intermediary (such as a lawyer). This can pave the way for greater contact in the future between donor and recipient or donor and child.
When it comes to selecting the type of egg donor, it really is an individual choice. Some people are happy for the donor to remain anonymous, while others prefer to have full details. Whichever donor type you prefer, you’ll need to check the rules in your treatment country.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
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