One of the most consequential decisions in the egg donation process — for both intended parents and donors — is whether to pursue anonymous or open (identified) donation. This decision has long-term implications for any child born from the donation, for the donor's future interactions, and for the intended parents' approach to family transparency. The landscape around this decision has also shifted meaningfully in the past decade, driven by advances in direct-to-consumer genetic testing and evolving professional recommendations.
What Anonymous Donation Actually Means Today
Traditional anonymous donation was built on the premise that the donor's identity would never be known to the recipient family or any resulting children. In practice, this model has become largely theoretical. At-home DNA testing kits — 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and similar services — have made it possible for donor-conceived individuals to identify biological relatives with a simple saliva sample, regardless of any anonymity agreements made at the time of donation.
Reproductive medicine organizations have increasingly acknowledged this reality. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) updated its guidance to note that true anonymity can no longer be guaranteed and that programs should counsel donors and recipients accordingly. For intended parents and donors choosing "anonymous" arrangements, this means understanding that anonymity is a default — not a guarantee — and planning accordingly.
Open or Identified Donation
In an open or identified donation arrangement, the donor agrees in advance to some level of future contact. This may range from a one-time disclosure of identity when the child reaches adulthood, to ongoing periodic updates, to the possibility of the child making contact. The specific terms are negotiated and documented before the cycle begins.
Research on donor-conceived individuals — particularly those who have now reached adulthood — increasingly supports the value of access to donor information. Studies show that many donor-conceived adults experience a desire to know about their genetic origins, and that having access to information (rather than seeking it out through unofficial channels) tends to support healthier psychological outcomes.
For intended parents, choosing an open arrangement often comes from a commitment to transparency with their child about their origins — an approach that reproductive psychologists increasingly recommend as beneficial for long-term family dynamics.
Egg Donors San Diego works with intended parents navigating both open and anonymous donation arrangements, providing counseling and guidance on how to make the right choice for your family's values and long-term needs.
If you're exploring egg donation and want to understand your options in depth, Egg Donors San Diego offers consultations to help intended parents make informed decisions at every step of the process.