Choosing a Donor

A few items to consider

• There is no perfect donor. There is no mini you in our database. You are unique and have qualities and idiosyncrasies that only you possess. You can expect to match most of the items that are important to you, however there are very few donors who may meet every criteria you may have.
• Current psychological research recommends that children of donor egg be told of their origins while young and in an age-appropriate way. Matching a blood type is not medically necessary or important if you plan to divulge your baby’s genetic source. As the parent of your child, to tell or not to tell will be your personal decision. You may wish to consult with your physician for more information on blood type.
• Consider choosing an egg donor that looks like you or complements some of your characteristics. People are inherently nosy and occasionally make insensitive comments. Many people will share with you their unsolicited thoughts as to who they think your baby looks like. While looking at the donor’s characteristics also review her entire family. Is she the short one in an otherwise tall family or perhaps, the only brunette amongst all blonde siblings?
• Even in cases in which a child is not the mirror image of a parent, the child will take on the parent’s characteristics.
• Choosing an egg donor is an opportunity to play to your strengths or weaknesses. You may be very athletic, enjoy sports and want children that may have a genetic aptitude to the same. You can look for these qualities in your donor. Or you may not be able to carry a tune or dance a step in rhythm; this is a perfect opportunity to give your child a genetic edge in musicality.
• Review the medical history of the donor closely, if you want to off set any genetic history of the partner providing the sperm. If your partner has a history of skin cancer in his family, you may want to look specifically for a donor with an absence of skin cancer in her history. Talk to your family doctor if you have any concerns or for advice.
• Level of formal education will vary widely amongst donors. Some donors have had greater access to a formal education while others may have found the endeavor financially challenging or perhaps pursued other goals. While a higher level of education may afford some recipients peace of mind, it doesn’t necessarily point to the level of intelligence of the donor.
• Once you narrow your choices based on the traits you desire, take time to read the personal statements. Perhaps one donor’s statement will connect with you more than another. Your donor, through her gracious gift, will forever become connected with you should your deliver a baby. Her personal comments will give you a glimpse into the heart of your donor and her desire to help you become a parent.

Choosing your egg donor is a wonderful step in your journey to parenthood; a step that will move you down the path to treatment and hopefully on to parenthood. While each person’s experience in choosing a donor is different, we hope this document helps guide you in the selection of your future egg donor candidate.