86 Percent of Parents Reveal Donor Origins Yet Struggle to Get Help
Most New Zealand parents disclose donor conception but want more support.
A groundbreaking survey from the University of Auckland reveals that 86% of parents with donor-conceived children disclose their origins, with same-sex and single parents more likely to share this information compared to heterosexual parents. Conducted by researchers Karyn Anderson and Cynthia Farquhar, the anonymous online survey highlights the importance of biological heritage for donor-conceived individuals and exposes critical gaps in parental support.
The study, involving nearly a third of 1,300 parents with donor-conceived children aged 6 to 18 on New Zealand’s donor register, found that knowledge of one’s origins, or whakapapa, fosters a stronger sense of identity and improved wellbeing. As of November 2024, over 3,600 individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand were conceived through donor sperm, eggs, or embryos in fertility clinics. Donors may be known individuals, such as friends or family, or anonymous clinic-provided donors.
Since 2004, New Zealand legislation has mandated recording donor identities, allowing donor-conceived individuals to access this information at 18. However, disclosure depends on parents sharing this fact with their children. The survey found that 90% of single and same-sex parents disclosed, compared to 80% of heterosexual two-parent families, often due to the need to explain the absence of a different-gender parent.
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On average, children were told about their donor-conceived status at age six and a half, aligning with international trends advocating early disclosure. While only 10% of parents had not yet shared but planned to, a small minority cited concerns about the impact on their child or uncertainty about how to disclose as reasons for withholding the information.
The survey also uncovered significant gaps in support for parents. One-third of respondents sought assistance in contacting donors, with the figure rising to 50% for those using clinic donors. Additionally, one-third of parents using unknown donors were unaware of how to access registry information, and only 20% had utilized the donor register post-donation.
Despite a 28% response rate, which may indicate bias from non-disclosing parents, the findings were shared at a hui with donor-conceived individuals, researchers, and fertility clinic staff. Attendees shared emotional stories, with some expressing joy at meeting donors and others frustration at late disclosure.
The researchers recommend that fertility clinics enhance post-birth support, including ongoing counseling to help parents navigate disclosure. Some clinics have begun improving counseling services during donor treatment and beyond, aiming to better equip parents as their children grow.
This survey underscores the importance of transparency in donor conception and the urgent need for robust support systems to empower parents and ensure donor-conceived individuals can access their biological heritage.
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