Anonymous and confidential egg donation programs.  How does this translate into real life - is egg donation secret the way to go?

 

Whilst legislation governing South African egg donations require the anonymity of egg donors' identity not to be disclosed, egg donation recipients have to make further decisions regarding the disclosure or absence thereof to family, friends and most importantly to the chid(ren) conceived through this anonymous egg donor program.

 

This is a highly personalised decision and every scenario is unique and ultimately recipients of donor eggs will make the best call for their own family.

 

In favour of keeping the egg donation secret.  There is a strong view in favour of not disclosing the details of the egg donation.  The world is full of challenges and alot of pressures are put on children today, more so than in previous generations.  Children are exposed to a smaller world and information and contacts are much more readily available.  People are also more prone to depression, overload, temptation and self conscious awareness.  The theory of not adding unecessary complexities to a this world aids the process for children.  The details of the conception are not deemed that important and what is relevant is the nuturing home and love that is given in abundance to the child(ren).  So then what is the relevance of the egg donor conception aspect. 

 

Other views support the notion that children are entitled to the truth and need to understand their heritage and genetic ancestry.  Many egg donors are not privy to having such extensive information themselves, so this may not address this aspect.

 

If children conceived of egg donation know the brutal truth of their conception, they may want to search for their genetic mother.  The South African legislation around egg donation does not support egg donors and recipients meeting - so receipt of this information may create unecessary feelings and no way to resolve or address - e.g. if the child cannot make contact with the genetic origin. 

 

The vast majority of egg donation recipients have elected to keep the egg donor process a completely confidential matter, not even disclosing to their parents. 

 

The decision on keeping the egg donation secret is a private one and need not be made at any specific point.  baby2mom Egg Donation, www.baby2mom.co.za is a egg donation agency rendering egg donor services and necessary support to egg donation recipients and egg donors - unique for every situation.