Factors to Consider When Choosing an Egg Donor

 Posted on June 22, 2021 in Family Law

When a couple is growing their family, they often use an egg donor. Whether they are choosing an egg donor for an embryo to be carried by a gestational surrogate or the intended mother herself, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right donor.

Choosing an egg donor is an intimately personal experience, and only you can know all of the factors that will contribute towards finding the right fit. Here, we discuss some of the most common issues couples and individuals consider when choosing an egg donor.

Personal and Family Health History

Modern genetic testing shows that certain people are carriers for genetic diseases, or at higher risk of certain types of cancers. Some diseases are more common within populations for whom finding a matching donor is important.

For example, Jewish parents who are looking for an egg donor may prefer a donor who is Jewish herself; however, Tay-Sachs disease is more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Or, an intended parent may be interested in an egg donor whose family history has a high rate of breast cancer. Regardless of the circumstances, parents who are interested in egg donors would be wise to know their own family health and have it available to compare to the family health history of a potential egg donor.

Physical Appearance

It is perfectly natural for parents to want children who look like them. If you are on the short side, with darker features that come from a family history in which you take great pride, you may not want a tall egg donor with blond hair and blue eyes. Agencies will have photos of egg donors from childhood through adulthood. If you are choosing an egg donor with your partner, talk about the physical traits you both value, and search for donors who have those traits.

Additionally, having a healthy egg donor gives your child a greater chance at health themselves. Choosing an egg donor who is active and abstains from drug or heavy alcohol use can set your child up for a healthier, happier future.

Personality

One of the greatest joys of parenthood is seeing your personality come through in your children. For this reason, many parents seek egg donors whose personality matches their own. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including a donor’s sense of humor, hobbies and interests, and even educational attainment. Search through donor profiles to find donors whom you sincerely like, and with whom you feel you can relate.

Anonymity

The level of preferred anonymity between you and the egg donor is a very personal decision. Do you want your child to be able to contact their biological mother someday? Does the egg donor ever want to be contacted by any potential children?

You may not be entirely sure whether you want to tell your child whether he or she is not biologically related to you. Fortunately, you have some years to decide. Keep in mind that DNA tests are widely available and commonly used and that your child may decide one day to take one themselves.

Consult a Cook County Family Law Attorney

If you are considering using a surrogate or an egg donor, the attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can help you make the choice that fits your situation and preferences. Contact our Arlington Heights family law offices today at 847-749-4182 to schedule a confidential consultation

Sources:

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/carrier-screening

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=093-0921&print=true&write=