Egg Donor Selection for Gay Parents
Many gay couples dream of having children of their own. While there are several options gay couples can choose to become parents, egg donation offers a pathway to sharing a biological connection with their child.
Selecting an egg donor is a major decision that can be both exciting and overwhelming. At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Dr. Marc Kalan and Dr. Nurit Winkler work closely with patients to provide compassionate assistance with egg selection for gay parents in Encino, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas.
About Egg Donation
Egg donation makes it possible for gay couples to have children with biological ties to their family.
When egg donation is used, an egg is harvested from a selected donor and fertilized using the sperm of one of the intended fathers.
Selecting an Egg Donor
Once the decision to use an egg donor is made, couples must go through the process of selecting their donor. Gay couples may work with an egg donation agency to choose an anonymous donor or semi-known donor. In other cases, an egg donor may be a close friend or family member.
- Anonymous donor: If choosing an anonymous donor, the couple will not know their egg donor’s name and might not see her photo. The only information that is known to the intended parents about the donor is what’s in her profile.
- Semi-known donor: A semi-known egg donor is someone whose first name may be known. Photos may be provided and some semi-known donors will choose to exchange emails with the intended parents.
- Friend or family member: In some cases an egg donor may be a friend or family member. Choosing a friend or family member gives the intended parents the benefit of knowing their egg donor well and often means that the donor will be a part of the child’s life.
When deciding whether to choose an anonymous donor, a semi-known donor, or a friend or family member, couples may want to keep in mind that donor agencies screen egg donors to find donors who are both physically and mentally healthy enough to be good candidates for egg donation.
If a friend or family member is donating their egg, it’s a good idea for them to undergo a health evaluation to make sure they are a good candidate for egg donation.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Donor
Whether using an anonymous or known donor, couples should keep in mind that their child will be genetically related to the donor. Because of this, it’s important that couples are on the same page about what traits and other factors are important to them.
When selecting an anonymous or semi-known donor, intended parents can learn about donors through donor profiles. It’s often beneficial for couples to look for donors who seem like they would fit in with their family based on the information provided in their profile.
Some things to consider when selecting an egg donor include:
- Education level
- Musical talent
- Athleticism
- Hobbies and interests
- Physical traits such as eye or hair color
- Physical and mental health
Learn More about Egg Donation
If you and your partner are interested in growing your family, egg donation may be right for you. To learn more about egg donation and to discuss your options, please call (818) 946-8051 to schedule an appointment.