Wendy Kramer
Donor Sibling Registry, US
Title: Infertility and donor conception: Pregnancy is just the beginning
Biography
Biography: Wendy Kramer
Abstract
Since 2000, the DSR has connected more than 15,500 donor offspring with half siblings and their biological parents. Accordingly, they have been able to create and explore these new familial relationships and can also understand their ancestry and learn about their medical backgrounds. The DSR’s research, education and counseling services have been instrumental in creating momentum towards establishing positive reforms in the egg donor and sperm banking industries around the world. The infertility industry mainly focuses on achieving pregnancy, and not what happens afterwards. We ask: “What is in the best interest of the child to be born?” and wonder how we can best serve the needs of the people conceived via donor conception. The DSR has conducted many research surveys, hearing from thousands of donor offspring to find out what was important to them, particularly in regards to the nature of their conception, donor anonymity, and connection with donor relatives. The DSR has published more than two-dozen papers in peer-reviewed academic journals. Offspring believed that early disclosure was important. More than three quarters recommended that parents not use anonymous donors. Most participants were very interested in learning more about the donor and any half-siblings they might have. The responses showed a strong preference for more openness in the donor world. Almost 60,000 gamete donors, offspring and recipients in 105 countries have registered on the DSR, seeking to find those with whom they share genetic ties.