News | Identity and Trust: The Psychological Experiences of Donor-Conceived People
Identity and Trust: The Psychological Experiences of Donor-Conceived People
According to new research from King's College London published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, children conceived using donated eggs or sperm have mental health outcomes comparable to those of people conceived without donation. However, they are more likely to experience difficulties with identity and trust. The authors note that secrecy and anonymity surrounding genetic parentage can have profound effects on psychological well-being. They warn that children and adults conceived with donor gametes have not been placed at the center of the assisted reproduction industry and that more information is needed about their well-being in adulthood.
This was the first systematic review of the psychological experiences of donor-conceived people in childhood and adulthood and represents the largest body of evidence on this population. More than 70,000 donor-conceived people have been born in the UK since records began in 1991; the earlier number is unknown. Yet little is known about their long-term mental health outcomes.
The review analyzed 50 studies involving 4,666 donor-conceived children and adults, mainly from high-income English-speaking countries. Most studies found equal or higher scores for well-being, self-esteem, and intimate relationships among donor-conceived people.
The study also found better outcomes when children were told earlier that they were donor-conceived. In the UK, donor anonymity has been prohibited for people conceived after 2005, although children must wait until age 18 to access information. Families are not legally required to tell children about their genetic ancestry. The growing use of home genetic testing can uncover family secrets with life-changing consequences. Adults conceived before 2005, who have no right to information about their genetic identity, have been especially overlooked in research and fertility-industry development.
Findings and Future Directions
First author Dr. Charlotte Talbot, a King's College London graduate and academic foundation doctor affiliated with the University of Birmingham, said: "This is our largest body of evidence on the well-being of donor-conceived children and adults, but the picture is complex. Although most outcomes show this group doing as well as or better than people conceived without donation, qualitative studies reveal common themes of mistrust and concern about genetic heritage."
Donor-conceived children are always planned and wanted because one or both parents may have fertility problems. This may explain their stronger family relationships and higher well-being. Yet discussions about innovation in assisted reproduction largely focus on clients and prospective parents rather than the people they hope to create. We need to better center the needs and priorities of donor-conceived offspring."
King's College London professor and senior author Susan Bewley added: "Conception using donated gametes is a lifelong, intergenerational process with far-reaching social implications." Laura Bridgens, founder of DCUK (Donor Conceived UK), said: "This systematic review highlights the need for further consideration of the long-term needs and outcomes of donor-conceived people in adulthood. Government and the fertility industry have a responsibility to listen to donor-conceived adults and create a future in which charities are not needed to repair past mistakes."
The paper, "Psychological Outcomes of Donor- and Non-Donor-Conceived People: A Systematic Review," was published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
News | Identity and Trust: The Psychological Experiences of Donor-Conceived People
News | Identity and Trust: The Psychological Experiences of Donor-Conceived People
Identity and Trust: The Psychological Experiences of Donor-Conceived People
According to new research from King's College London published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, children conceived using donated eggs or sperm have mental health outcomes comparable to those of people conceived without donation. However, they are more likely to experience difficulties with identity and trust. The authors note that secrecy and anonymity surrounding genetic parentage can have profound effects on psychological well-being. They warn that children and adults conceived with donor gametes have not been placed at the center of the assisted reproduction industry and that more information is needed about their well-being in adulthood.
This was the first systematic review of the psychological experiences of donor-conceived people in childhood and adulthood and represents the largest body of evidence on this population. More than 70,000 donor-conceived people have been born in the UK since records began in 1991; the earlier number is unknown. Yet little is known about their long-term mental health outcomes.
The review analyzed 50 studies involving 4,666 donor-conceived children and adults, mainly from high-income English-speaking countries. Most studies found equal or higher scores for well-being, self-esteem, and intimate relationships among donor-conceived people.
The study also found better outcomes when children were told earlier that they were donor-conceived. In the UK, donor anonymity has been prohibited for people conceived after 2005, although children must wait until age 18 to access information. Families are not legally required to tell children about their genetic ancestry. The growing use of home genetic testing can uncover family secrets with life-changing consequences. Adults conceived before 2005, who have no right to information about their genetic identity, have been especially overlooked in research and fertility-industry development.
Findings and Future Directions
First author Dr. Charlotte Talbot, a King's College London graduate and academic foundation doctor affiliated with the University of Birmingham, said: "This is our largest body of evidence on the well-being of donor-conceived children and adults, but the picture is complex. Although most outcomes show this group doing as well as or better than people conceived without donation, qualitative studies reveal common themes of mistrust and concern about genetic heritage."
Donor-conceived children are always planned and wanted because one or both parents may have fertility problems. This may explain their stronger family relationships and higher well-being. Yet discussions about innovation in assisted reproduction largely focus on clients and prospective parents rather than the people they hope to create. We need to better center the needs and priorities of donor-conceived offspring."
King's College London professor and senior author Susan Bewley added: "Conception using donated gametes is a lifelong, intergenerational process with far-reaching social implications." Laura Bridgens, founder of DCUK (Donor Conceived UK), said: "This systematic review highlights the need for further consideration of the long-term needs and outcomes of donor-conceived people in adulthood. Government and the fertility industry have a responsibility to listen to donor-conceived adults and create a future in which charities are not needed to repair past mistakes."
The paper, "Psychological Outcomes of Donor- and Non-Donor-Conceived People: A Systematic Review," was published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Story source:
Collected online