Family type shapes donor-conceived adults' views on anonymity

Perspectives on sperm donor anonymity: insights from donor-conceived adults in Belgium (Casteels, 2024)

Casteels, P., Nekkebroeck, J., & Tournaye, H. (2024). Psychology and counselling perspectives on sperm donor anonymity: insights from donor-conceived adults in Belgium. Human Reproduction, 00(0), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae160

Geographic Region: Belgium

Research Question: Are donor-conceived adults in Belgium interested in obtaining donor information and do interests vary based on their family backgrounds?

Design: Online nationwide survey fielded between July 2022 and October 2023. 43-question survey in French and Dutch. Analysis included Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression with Bonferroni adjustment.

Sample: 203 participants (65% female) ages 18-62 years (average age 34). 62% from heterosexual families, 26% from lesbian couples, and 8% from single parents. Recruited via social media, word of mouth, magazines, newspapers, and support groups.

Key Findings

• There were significant differences in when children learned about their donor conception across family types. Children in heterosexual families typically learned much later (average 23.7 years) compared to those in lesbian-parent families (3.7 years) and single-parent families (2.9 years).

• Interest in donor information also varied significantly by family type. Children from heterosexual families showed the highest interest in both non-identifying information (92%) and identifying information (83%), while those from lesbian-parent families showed notably lower interest (60% and 39%, respectively). The desire for personal contact with donors followed a similar pattern, with 78% of those from heterosexual families wanting contact compared to only 26% from lesbian-parent families.

• The psychological impact of donor conception differed significantly across family types. Feelings of being different from peers were most common in heterosexual families (71%) and single-parent families (70%), but much lower in lesbian-parent families (34%). Similarly, psychological difficulties were reported most frequently by those from heterosexual families (57%) compared to lesbian-parent families (11%). Gender also played a role, with males reporting fewer psychological difficulties than females.

• The ability to discuss donor conception openly varied significantly among family types, with 77% of those from lesbian-parent families reporting sufficient discussion compared to only 27% from heterosexual families.

• Participants who experienced disclosure before age 12 reported better integration of donor conception into their personal identity, lower rates of psychological difficulties, and more comfort in discussing their origins openly. They were more likely to use the term "donor" rather than "biological father" and generally maintained better relationships with their parents.

• Participants who experienced disclosure at or after age 12 reported more challenging emotional reactions including confusion (29%), shock (28%), and feelings of deception (39%). 78% reported psychological difficulties having learned of their donor conception later in life. These individuals were more likely to use the term "biological/genetic father," expressed stronger desires for donor information and personal contact, and reported more difficulty discussing their donor conception openly.

Limitations: Sample may not represent all donor-conceived adults in Belgium. Participation bias possible, especially with heterosexual couple overrepresentation. Reliance on self-reported data.

Applications: This study validates that DCP experience a range of experiences and feelings about donor conception and demonstrates the potential benefits of early disclosure.

Funding Source: Not stated

Lead Author: Phyline Casteels is affiliated with the Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Regulatory Context

• Governed by "Law on Medically Assisted Reproduction and the Destination of Surplus Embryos and Gametes"

• Allows both anonymous and non-anonymous donation

• No central registry requirements

• No limits on number of offspring per donor