Why I Used a Known Donor and the Factors in My Selection
Stephanie Wicker, a single mother by choice, explains why she ultimately decided against using anonymous donor sperm and opted instead for a known donor.
Stephanie Wicker, a single mother by choice, explains why she ultimately decided against using anonymous donor sperm and opted instead for a known donor.
USDCC sought to collect data on sperm banks across the United States. A survey was conducted in which sperm bank websites were reviewed for relevant data and then those data were confirmed via contact with representatives from each bank.
Parents who want to keep donor conception a secret are usually trying to protect their child from emotional and relationship distress, but secrets are no guarantee of protection. Just as anonymity is hard to protect for a lifetime, genetic information is hard to keep secret for a lifetime.
Deciding to use donor sperm or eggs is often a result of a fertility complication. In this emotional process, the consideration of how donor conceived people (DCP) will feel about their conception is often overlooked.
The answer is simple: as soon as possible. Donor conceived people (DCP) need to know the truth about their conception from birth, or at the very least, prior to age 3.