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Research Recap
In a literature review, Cutas (2023) explored how donor-conceived people navigate genetic relations beyond traditional parent-child relationships. As "sibling season" for DCP kicked off, I also explored the hidden impact of consumer DNA testing discoveries
DC Journal Club featured several studies from Sweden, which abolished donor anonymity and codified DCP access to donor identity in 1985. Widbom (2024) investigated the motivations driving Swedish donor-conceived people to search for their sperm donors. Paulin (2024) used the theory of planned behavior to examine heterosexual parents' disclosure patterns, finding that social pressures and partner support were key drivers in parents' decisions. Another study by Paulin (2024) of adolescent-parent relationships found comparable psychological well-being and family functioning across families formed through identity-release gamete donation and standard IVF.
Elsewhere, Koh (2023) examined how adult offspring from lesbian-parent families in the US relate to their donor siblings. Rodino (2023) found that attachment styles impact how Australian recipients and donors share information about their involvement in donor conception. Bunkelman (2025) highlighted US LGBTQ+ couples' desire for genetic counseling support during their family planning journey. Holley (2024) investigated US egg donors' changing views on anonymity and contact over time.
Other Tidbits
Grace Halden’s essay on reading a letter written by her kids’ donor
Karen Dahl-Darling’s video story about discovering her husband was a sperm donor
Jessica Lippincott’s interview about finding out she is donor-conceived and has many half-siblings
Valerie Bauman’s opinion piece about the Colorado legislation
In the US, Colorado’s donor conception regulations went into effect January 1. Check out their evidence-informed guidance for prospective donors and recipient parents.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I love the Tidbits! Those are little gems to add the human element to the research you share. Thanks for sharing these.