'I have to remind myself that everyone's search is different': experiences and outcomes of searching and not searching for donor connections among donor conceived adults
Two-thirds of UK donor-conceived adults find genetic connections, but study shows search process brings unexpected emotional challenges
Zadeh, S., Jones, C., & Jadva, V. (2024). 'I have to remind myself that everyone's search is different': experiences and outcomes of searching and not searching for donor connections among donor conceived adults. Human Reproduction, 00, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae210
Geographic Region: United Kingdom
Research Question: What are the experiences and outcomes of donor-conceived adults who are actively searching for, open to contact with, or not searching for donor connections?
Research Methods: Mixed-methods cross-sectional survey study. Online survey with closed and open-ended questions about experiences of donor conception, searching for connections, and finding or not finding connections.
Sample: 88 donor-conceived adults in the UK (39 actively searching, 44 open to contact but not actively searching, 5 not searching). Mostly female (74%) and sperm donor conceived (90%).
Analysis Methods: Quantitative analysis using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Qualitative analysis using content analysis and thematic analysis.
Key Findings:
There were no significant differences between the three groups in demographic characteristics or when/how they learned about being donor-conceived.
Active searchers rated genetic information as more important to their identity compared to those open to contact but not actively searching.
Active searchers were more likely to use genetic testing and social media to search compared to those open to contact but not actively searching.
67% of all participants had found or been found by a donor connection, with no difference between active searchers and those open to contact but not actively searching.
Experiences of searching and finding/not finding connections were complex, characterized by: Uncertainties in searching and relating to connections, Viewing searching as an open-ended process, Different experiences with different donor connections, Expectations not always matching reality, Searching acting as a catalyst for changing feelings, Comparing experiences to other donor-conceived people
Participants expressed a range of positive and negative emotions about finding or not finding connections. Some felt disappointed or alienated when unable to find connections, while others felt neutral or relieved.
Making connections sometimes led to challenges in navigating new relationships.
Limitations: Small sample of those not searching, mostly female and sperm donor conceived participants, most were members of donor conception organizations
Applications: Support for donor-conceived people should consider the complexities of the search process itself, not just focus on the point of potential contact. Support may be needed earlier and for those found unexpectedly. Commercial DNA testing sites should provide more information/support.
Funding Source: UK Economic and Social Research Council
Regulatory Context
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the UK's independent regulator overseeing fertility treatment and research using human embryos.
In 2005, the UK changed its laws regulating gamete donation from anonymous donation to identifiable donation.
As of October 2023, donor-conceived people conceived on or after April 1, 2005, can access information about their donor's identity and request information about the identity of any donor siblings who have also expressed interest in contact at age 18.
Those conceived before the law change in 2005 do not have the same legal right to identifying information about their donors, who were guaranteed anonymity at the time of donation.
The UK has a voluntary register called the Donor Conceived Register (DCR), which allows donors and donor-conceived people from before 2005 to voluntarily register and potentially match with each other.
Lead Author: Sophie Zadeh is a Reader in Family Psychology in the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex. Her research is focused on the experiences and outcomes of family diversity, with a specialism in families formed through donor-assisted conception (e.g., sperm donation, egg donation, and surrogacy).