Why Openness in Egg Donation Matters, Even When the Eggs Are Frozen
By Lisa Schuman, LCSW
For many years, anonymous donation, now referred to as non-directed donation, was the norm in egg donation, especially when using frozen eggs. But as research grows and more donor-conceived people share their stories, it’s clear that openness in egg donation can provide significant emotional and medical benefits, even in cases of frozen donation.
What Is an Open Egg Donation?
Open donation typically means the donor is willing to be known to the child at 18. Some donors are open to other forms of contact as well, such as:
Writing letters or emails
Having a Zoom conversation with the parents before the child is born
Agreeing to sign a contract that outlines the possibility of meeting in the future
These options give families a range of choices and the opportunity to select a degree of openness that fits their comfort level and their child’s evolving needs over time.
Emotional Benefits of Open Donation
Donor-conceived individuals often report a desire to know more about their donor’s identity, background, or medical history. In studies conducted by researchers such as Susan Golombok and Vasanti Jadva, openness in donor conception has been associated with improved family relationships and positive identity development in children.
The interest in learning more about one’s donor doesn’t reflect a lack of love for one’s parents. Instead, it reflects a natural curiosity about one’s roots—something as simple as wondering where their dimples came from or whether their talents or interests might be shared with someone else in their network of genetic relatives. Open donation allows families to respond to these very human questions with openness, honesty, and care.
Medical Benefits of Open Donation
Beyond emotional considerations, there are also clear medical benefits to open donation. Donors undergo extensive screening, including genetic testing to rule out serious recessive conditions, and they complete detailed family health histories. However, even the most thorough screening can’t predict how a donor’s health—or the health of her family—may change over time. Genetic testing focuses on recessive carrier conditions, but it doesn’t provide a full picture of inherited risk, and it doesn’t screen for every possible issue.
Why Medical History Matters in Egg Donation
Spotting Family Health Patterns
It’s important to remember that while some people live long and healthy lives, most people eventually pass away from some medical issue. By reviewing a donor’s family tree, prospective parents may be able to notice trends or patterns that resonate with their own family experiences. For example, if the genetically linked parent has a history of a particular illness, such as colon cancer, in their family, it can be helpful to see whether the donor also has colon cancer in her family. This kind of match can help families make choices that feel more aligned with their values and level of risk tolerance.
Staying Informed About Future Health Changes
Additionally, open donation allows for future updates. For example, if a donor develops breast cancer at a young age, that information could be passed along to the family. In turn, they could choose to begin early screening for their child. Even less serious conditions like migraines, allergies, or asthma can be useful to know about, especially when making decisions about prevention and treatment. Without openness, this kind of communication is often impossible.
The Limitations of Anonymous Donation
Many families choose frozen eggs for practical reasons: greater availability, lower cost, and the ability to plan around their schedule. However, most frozen donor egg programs still rely on non-directed (anonymous) donation, leaving families with fewer long-term options for openness.
Frozen Eggs With the Option for Openness
That’s what makes the Everie frozen egg donation program unique. By offering frozen eggs from open donors, we give families the flexibility and convenience of frozen donation while keeping the door open for future connection and communication. It’s a model that honors both present-day needs and future possibilities.
If you’re ready to pursue egg donation, Everie is here to help. Complete our quick contact form to get started.