Nonidentified (Anonymous) vs. Identified (Open) Egg Donation: What Are the Differences?

“In-Between” Options to Strike a Balance Between Privacy and Openness

We’re happy to work with you to find an “in-between” option that you’re most comfortable with—striking a perfect balance between privacy and openness. We’ll talk more about what this could look like below, but for now, let’s cover the basics.

What is a Nonidentified (Formerly "Anonymous") Egg Donation?

Nonidentified egg donation was traditionally known as anonymous egg donation, where no identifying information is shared between the donor and intended parent(s). The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has updated the terminology from “anonymous” to “nonidentified” to reflect the changing landscape where anonymity can be compromised through genetic testing and social media.

Key Features of Nonidentified Egg Donation:

• Nonidentifying Information: Both parties remain confidential throughout the egg donation process.
• Contractual Terms: Parties are referred to as “Intended Parent” and “Egg Donor ID XXXX” in legal agreements.
• Limited Future Contact: There are minimal chances for future interaction between the donor, intended parent(s), and child(ren) born as a result of the donation. 
• Intention: The intention at the time the nonidentified donation occurs is that the identities of the donor, recipient(s), and any resulting offspring will remain unknown. However, future anonymity is not guaranteed.

While nonidentified egg donation remains popular, there is a growing trend toward identified egg donation due to the evolving social and legal landscape.

What is Identified (Formerly "Open") Egg Donation?

Identified egg donation, previously referred to as open egg donation, involves sharing identifying information between the donor and intended parent(s). This option allows for direct communication to the extent that both parties are comfortable. 

Key Features of Identified Egg Donation:

• Information Exchange: Contact details and personal information are shared.
• Potential Future Contact: Option for future communication for medical or personal reasons.
• Greater Transparency: A growing body of research supports early disclosure and some experts advocate that donor-conceived individuals are entitled to know their donor's identity.

However, Identified Egg Donation Doesn’t Imply an Ongoing Relationship

It’s important to note that this does not imply that you or your potential child(ren) will have an ongoing relationship with the donor. Identified egg donation interactions can vary from yearly phone calls and photos to contact only for medical necessity, depending on the agreement between the donor and recipient(s). Ultimately, it's a case-by-case basis with varying degrees of openness and interaction. 

Some parents may opt for an identified egg donation so that they have the donor’s information if and when the child shows interest. Similarly, when using frozen donor eggs, the intended parent(s) have options to choose eggs from a donor who participated in an “Open ID” donation.

What is Open ID When Using Frozen Donor Eggs?

While searching our egg bank database for frozen donor eggs, you will see whether the donor participated in an Open ID donation. "Open ID" means that the donor-conceived individual(s) can receive identifying information about the donor once they reach adulthood. 

In an open ID donation, the egg donor will sign an addendum that gives the agency consent to provide their contact information to the intended parents once the child turns 18.

At Donor Nexus, we do our best to make the process as straightforward as possible while still maintaining our commitment to provide each party with a personalized and fulfilling experience. Our online donor profiles offer detailed information, allowing you to factor in the donor’s preferences when deciding whether she is the right donor for you. 

Donor's Preference and Responses Are Listed on Profile

How do we find the perfect balance and agreement for each situation? First, we give our donors the opportunity to express their preferences and what they are comfortable with. Then, we share their direct responses on their online profile so you have this information upfront.

When you browse through our database, you will clearly see the egg donor’s responses to the following questions:

• Are you willing to meet the recipient via telephone, Zoom, etc?
• Are you willing to meet the children?
• Would you prefer to remain anonymous?
• Are you willing to have contact with the intended parents if they are successful?
• Are you willing to have contact with the child once the child reaches the age of eighteen? 

While some donors have specific preferences, many leave it completely up to the intended parent(s). We’ve found that having this information upfront allows you to rule out a potential donor right off the bat if she can’t provide what you’re looking for.

“In-Between” Options: Striking a Balance Between Privacy and Openness

We understand that each journey to parenthood and each egg donation experience is unique, and we’re happy to work with you to find an “in-between” option that you’re most comfortable with while still respecting the donor's wishes and preferences.

1. We Can Facilitate a Video Meeting Without Sharing Identifying Information

One of our popular “in-between” options is to facilitate a Zoom call between the intended parent(s) and an egg donor they are interested in – without sharing contact information for either party. This option is only available for fresh egg donor cycles. As mentioned above, you can see the donor’s response on whether she’d be open to meeting on her database profile. To facilitate the meeting, we will collect a non-refundable $500, which will be put toward the cycle fees if you move forward with our agency. 

Benefits of Video Meetings:

This allows for a face-to-face interaction with the egg donor, providing deeper insights into her physical characteristics and personality. In addition to the 60-second introduction videos we provide for most of our donors, many intended parents find these meetings valuable, helping them feel more confident in their decision.

Key Features:

• Nonidentifying Communication: Facilitated by experienced staff.
• Optional Video Meeting or Phone Call: Offers real-time interaction and allows both parties to ask any questions they may have.
• Limited Ongoing Interaction: Provides a balance between privacy and openness.

Related reading: Finding Hope: An Intended Parent and Egg Donor Meeting

2. Donor Sibling Registry

The Donor Sibling Registry (DSR) is a valuable platform for intended parents to maintain a connection with their egg donor without sharing identifying information. The DSR provides a secure forum where donor-conceived individuals can communicate with their genetic relatives. 

If the intended parent likes the idea of having the option of contacting the egg donor in the future without exchanging identifying information, the DSR is a perfect and inexpensive way to stay connected. 

How Does Donor Sibling Registry Work?

The intended parent is responsible for paying for the egg donor’s lifetime membership fee. Once the payment has been made to DSR, a staff member will contact both parties with instructions on setting up the login. 

Each party creates a generic username. We recommend using the donors’ agency ID number somewhere in the username, such as Donor Nexus Intended Parent 1000. The donor will also create a generic username, such as Donor Nexus Egg Donor 1000. 

Once both have set up their log-in, each can begin posting. Postings can consist of updates on the offspring, questions about the donor’s medical history, or photos of the offspring over the years. 

Benefits of DSR:

• Nonidentifying Information: Ensures privacy while allowing for future contact.
• Flexibility: Families can choose how much information to share and when.
• Supportive Community: Connects donor-conceived individuals with their genetic relatives, fostering a sense of identity and support.

Boutique Experience, Endless Possibilities — Donor Nexus

At Donor Nexus, we offer a boutique and personalized approach to egg donation. This means you have the opportunity to match with a fresh egg donor or select frozen donor eggs from our egg bank, with both options offering varying degrees of openness and privacy. We strive to tailor the process to fit the needs and desires of both parties to ensure the best possible experience all around. If you have any questions, our team is available to help you navigate your choices.

Register now for free access to our online donor database and explore the possibilities with us!