What Does
Known Donor Mean?
A known donor is a person who donates sperm, eggs or embryos for assisted reproductive procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), and this person is someone who is known to the individual or couple that is trying to conceive a child.
A known donor is in contrast to an unknown donor, where the identity of the individual or couple providing the donation is not known to the individual or couple receiving the donation.
A known donor is also known as a directed donor.
FertilitySmarts Explains Known Donor
When donor eggs, sperm or embryos are needed, some individuals prefer that they come from a known donor. This can be for ease, financial reasons, or because of a desire to maintain a relationship between the donor and the child.
There are several legal and ethical concerns that individuals or couples must be aware of and sorted out before agreeing to receive sperm, eggs or an embryo from a known donor. The most common issues that can arise later include disputes about the parenthood. A known donor agreement is usually signed at most licensed fertility clinics before using the help of a known donor.
Apart from knowing the fact that the sperm, eggs or an embryo is obtained from a known person, the procedure of obtaining them and their use in fertility treatment is similar to using anonymous or open donors. They are screened after collection for quality and quantity and should meet the recommended standards to be used in assisted reproductive procedures.