Donors: Curious Connections in Donor Conception

The expected of 21 st Century egg and sperm donors is that they should be open and willing to be traced or contacted by those born from their donations. Being a donor can impact on men and womens own personal lives and relationships, as well as the connections and relationships created by donation. This book explores how understandings of donation are shaped by the regulatory, cultural, and relational contexts in which they are formed and considers how reproductive 'openness might be done differently.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The expectations of 21st-century egg and sperm donors are evolving rapidly, reflecting the changing landscape of reproductive technology and societal attitudes towards family formation. As donors play a critical role in helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of having a child, it is essential to understand the impact that being a donor can have on their own personal lives and relationships.

Being a donor can have a profound effect on men and women's personal lives and relationships. On the one hand, it can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose by helping to create a family and give someone the gift of life. On the other hand, it can also be emotionally challenging, as donors may struggle with feelings of guilt, uncertainty, and attachment to the children they have helped to create.

One of the key challenges that donors face is navigating the connections and relationships that are created by donation. These connections can range from informal relationships with the individuals or couples who have used their services to more formal relationships with the children they have helped to conceive. Donors may also face challenges in maintaining these relationships over time, particularly if there are changes in their personal lives or if they choose to remain anonymous.

The connections that are created by donation can have a wide range of meanings and impacts for donors and their families. For some donors, the connection with the child they have helped to create is a source of great joy and pride. They may feel a strong sense of connection to the child and may even play an active role in their life, providing support and guidance as they grow up. For others, the connection may be more complex and challenging, as they may struggle with feelings of ambivalence or uncertainty about their role in the child's life.

The impact of donation on donors' relationships with their partners, parents, siblings, and children can also be significant. Donors may need to communicate openly with their partners and families about their decision to donate and may need to navigate complex emotional dynamics that can arise as a result. For example, some partners may feel jealous or upset about the donor's involvement in their family, while others may be supportive and grateful for the opportunity to have a child.

Overall, being a 21st-century egg and sperm donor requires a high level of commitment, empathy, and communication. Donors must be prepared to navigate the complex emotional and relational challenges that can arise as a result of their donation and must be willing to work with their families and the individuals or couples who have used their services to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

In conclusion, the expectations of 21st-century egg and sperm donors are evolving rapidly, and it is essential to understand the impact that being a donor can have on their own personal lives and relationships. Donors must be prepared to navigate the connections and relationships that are created by donation and must be willing to work with their families and the individuals or couples who have used their services to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved. By doing so, we can help to ensure that donation continues to be a valuable and meaningful option for individuals and couples seeking to have a child.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 151 x 328 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800435674