We are currently analysing data from an interview study with DCPs following egg donation. We see that these teenage DCPs vary considerably in their view of how important the egg donation is for their identity. Research on adoptees has shown a similar picture
Claudia & Henrik #ESHREjc

Studies show that many DCPs want access to information about their donor to better understand themselves (e.g. learning about shared traits, family history). However not all DCPs find this important. Claudia & Henrik #ESHREjc

This is a great finding of the study, and following the finding I would say that better relationships bring stronger bonds, with not necessary need for requesting more information about the donors. #ESHREjc

It’s important to acknowledge that not all DCP want contact, and their privacy needs to be respected #ESHREjc

In Sweden the right to donor-information (identity and non-id info) lies solely with the DCP and they can access it when they have reached 18 years. We can see the benefits of the DCP having access to non-identifiable information about their donor some years earlier.
Claudia & Henrik #ESHREjc

A legal mechanism for DCP to indicate openness to contact with others conceived from the same donor could be a good option and help limit the impact of genetic tests. If a DCP identifies a genetic connection, they could know whether the other person is open to contact before reaching out #ESHREjc

In this study, only 1/3 were interested in contacting others conceived from the same donor, while the majority were not interested/were uncertain. How can we balance curiosity and interest in knowing others while protecting the privacy of those who do not want contact? #ESHREjc

Same-donor peers belong in the right to know. A third of donor-conceived teens want contact with them; almost half are unsure (Human Reproduction, 2026). Legislators should guarantee access to the number of peers and create mutual-consent registers, not leave it to DNA-testing sites. #ESHREjc

Both. Swedish donor-conceived teens want background details (78%), identity (61%) and to know if the donor is open to contact (52%). Needs differ. The law should offer every option and let the donor-conceived person decide what to access, and when. #ESHREjc

@giuliana-baccino.bsky.social @marianavmartins.bsky.social @aindekeu.bsky.social @fertilityeurope.bsky.social
@claudialampic.bsky.social @hgroundstroem.bsky.social #ESHREjc

It is interesting that adolescents reporting better family functioning were more likely to be unsure about requesting donor information. Could a good relationship with parents reduce the need for donor info? Or might adolescents hesitate to ask in an attempt to “protect” their parents? #ESHREjc

Q3⁩: The study showed that DCP interest was also extended to people conceived from the same donor. Should access to information about these peers be considered part of DCP right to know? If so, how could this be ethically and legally addressed? #ESHREjc

In my opinion yes. Every information we may give to them, will be valuable for their present and future. #ESHREjc

In some countries, non-identifying information (e.g. donor’s physical characteristics or interests) are available, while others only provide identifying information such as the donor’s name... Should both types of information be available to DCP? #ESHREjc

Frequency with children is crucial. They need to hear and see the same story many, many times to incorporate it. When we talk about their origins is the same. At first would be every week or 2, then every month, but never stop talking about it. #ESHREjc

Motivations to request donor info in @hgroundstroem.bsky.social & @claudialampic.bsky.social study were mainly related to know about resemblance, heritage, medical history… May it be that knowing more about the donor or their background may help DCP make sense of their own story? #ESHREjc

Lesbian and single-parent families often disclose DC earlier and normalise same-donor relationships, reducing the need to seek genetic information as a way of establishing identity. DCPs raised by heterosexual couples may experience later disclosure and more interest in donor information. #ESHREjc

Such interesting and practical tips to help parents! I find it interesting that you mention frequency, as some couples think that telling the child once is enough. Talking about it regularly may help make donor conception a normal and open topic within the family #ESHREjc

I am not a legal expert, but in my experience as psychologist, children must have the right to know, to explore, to have the possibility to answer any question they may have about their origins. #ESHREjc