Support in Donor Conception – Resources and Communities

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By Tracey Sainsbury, Fertility Counsellor, Lister Fertility Clinic

Embracing donor conception as your pathway to parenthood can be a beautiful experience for many families, however it also brings unique challenges and complexities that can benefit from robust support systems.

Whether you are a parent navigating this journey for yourself and your child, a donor conceived person or a donor, having access to support can be invaluable, as donor conception can raise emotional and practical questions for everyone involved.

The Lister Fertility Clinic Counselling Team, lead by Caroline Spencer, promotes a robust foundation of support for anyone seeking donor conception treatment, egg sharing or donating eggs, sperm or embryos. Caroline shared, ‘ensuring patients are aware that the open-door counselling service is available for support before, during and following treatment is often reassuring for parents’ years after their family is complete and we often welcome clients back for support as questions around donor conception arise.’

Common reasons why people seek support throughout their fertility journey are included below:

Before Conception
How do we choose a sperm or egg donor?
What are the legal implications of using a donor?
How do we talk to our family and friends about our decision?

During Pregnancy:
How do we explain donor conception to our child as they grow up?
Will it feel different, especially if we have a child conceived without donor conception?
What kind of support is available for parents during the pregnancy and birth process?

Infancy and Early Childhood:
How do we get things right to create a positive sense of identity for our child?
When and how should we begin discussing donor conception with our child?
How can we handle questions from family, friends, and others about our child’s conception?

School Age:
How do we support our child if they have questions or concerns about their genetic origins?
Should we disclose donor conception to teachers, caregivers, or the school administrators?
What are some age-appropriate ways to talk about donor conception with our child’s peers?

Adolescence:
How might our teenager’s understanding of donor conception change during adolescence?
What are some common emotional challenges that donor-conceived adolescents may face?
How can we support our teenager in exploring their identity and understanding their genetic heritage?

Adulthood:
How might our adult child feel about their donor conception as they enter adulthood?
What are their rights to access information about their donor?
How can we navigate potential legal and ethical issues surrounding donor conception as our child becomes an adult?

In addition to counselling and support offered by the clinic, there are a growing number of organisations providing guidance and information, alongside fostering a sense of belonging within a community of reassurance, validation and support, where others understand the nuances of donor conception.

Key Support Resources and Communities:

The Donor Conception Network
The Donor Conception Network (DCN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting families who have conceived with donated eggs, sperm, or embryos. Their services include providing information, support, and resources for donor-conceived individuals, parents, and donors. From online forums to in-person events, DCN offers a comprehensive support network for all stages of the donor conception journey.

Donor Conceived UK

Formerly the Donor Conceived Register, the Donor Conceived UK is a growing organisation committed to supporting donor-conceived individuals and their families. They offer support, education and advocacy, and community-building initiatives aimed at promoting understanding within the donor conception community. Their resources encompass practical advice, emotional support, and opportunities for connection.

Paths to Parenthub
Paths to Parenthub provides a space for families and people considering or moving forwards with donor conception to connect, share experiences and to hear from experts in the field. A large library of webinars, podcasts and downloads available to members at all stages of their fertility journey.

Modern Family Show
The Lister Fertility Clinic are proud clinic partners of Two Dads UK and also a sponsor of the Modern Family Show, the show takes place this year in London on September 28th, the show provides a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to meet and speak with experts, professionals and likeminded people considering their parenting options.