Dozens of young adults who were conceived through sperm or egg donation will soon have the opportunity to explore their biological origins. Changes to the donor anonymity law in the UK will allow donor-conceived individuals to access more information about the people whose donations led to their conception.
The UK fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), has announced that the first eligible individuals will be able to apply for this information starting in October. It is estimated that about 30 donor-conceived 18-year-olds will become eligible between October and December.
Under the revised law, individuals conceived from egg, sperm, or embryo donations made after April 1, 2005, will be able to request identifiable information about their donor once they turn 18. This includes the donor’s full name, date of birth, and last known address.
According to data from the HFEA, more than 700 donor-conceived individuals will be able to request identifying information about their donor by the end of 2024. By 2030, this number is expected to increase to 11,427.
To raise awareness about the changes, the HFEA has launched a campaign called “Who is my Donor.” The campaign aims to encourage donors to update their contact details with their clinic to facilitate successful communication with the donor-conceived person. A simple email or phone call by a donor to the clinic or the HFEA can make a significant difference in the lives of donor-conceived individuals.
Health officials emphasize the importance of donors ensuring their contact information is up to date, as it will allow donor-conceived individuals to have access to information about their genetic origins. The British Fertility Society and the Association for Reproductive and Clinical Scientists have both issued statements urging donors to get in touch with the clinic where they donated or contact the HFEA to update their details.
This change in the law marks a significant milestone for young adults conceived through donor sperm or eggs. With readily available ancestry tests and other methods of identification, it is essential for historical donors to reach out and provide accurate guidance, support, and information. Donor conception is a remarkable gift, and it is crucial to recognize and support those who make it possible for others to build the families they desire.
(Note: This article is based on information from the source article and does not contain any additional information from other sources.)
Sources:
– “Dozens of young adults born through sperm and egg donation to find biological parents” by Harriet Sherwood in The Guardian
