The journey of donor conception is complex, weaving together themes of love, hope, and science. For those considering donor conception—or those who have already built families this way—understanding the long-term emotional well-being of donor-conceived (DC) individuals is crucial. A new systematic review, Comparing the Psychological Outcomes of Donor and Non-Donor Conceived People (Talbot, Hodson, Rose, & Bewley, 2024), sheds light on these experiences, offering a nuanced look at how DC individuals navigate identity, mental health, and relationships throughout their lives.

A Mixed Landscape: Emotional Well-Being in Donor-Conceived People

One of the main takeaways is that there is no single psychological outcome for donor-conceived individuals. Instead, the findings reveal a broad spectrum of experiences:

• For many, being donor-conceived does not lead to psychological distress. Several studies being reviewed found no significant differences between DC and non-DC individuals in terms of emotional well-being, self-esteem, and mental health. Some studies even indicated higher levels of self-esteem, emotional warmth in relationships, and overall well-being among DC individuals.
• However, a minority of studies pointed to challenges. Some DC individuals reported struggles with identity, increased rates of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, and a heightened likelihood of seeking mental health support. Others shared feelings of mistrust or a sense of something missing when they lacked access to genetic heritage information.

This variability highlights that the experience of being donor-conceived is deeply personal—shaped not just by genetics, but by family dynamics, openness in communication, and societal attitudes.

The Power of Early Disclosure

One consistent theme across the studies is that early disclosure of donor conception plays a positive role in psychological well-being. Children who learned about their donor conception early (before age seven) generally fared better in terms of identity formation and emotional security. Late or unexpected discovery—especially through DNA testing—was often associated with feelings of betrayal or distress.

For parents navigating this journey, the we know that openness and honesty from an early age can be critical to the wellbeing of their children, helping them integrate their donor conception story as just one part of who they are.

Identity, Connection, and the Search for Belonging

For some DC individuals, donor conception isn’t just about genetics—it’s about understanding where they come from. Many expressed a desire to know more about their donor for medical reasons, curiosity, or simply to understand more about their origins.

While not every DC person actively seeks out their donor, having access to information appears to matter. That’s why parents having the resources necessary to support them in talking with their children is so critical; having information to share about the donor can help reduce some of the uncertainty that can contribute to identity struggles.

What This Means for Families

This research reinforces that there is no single “right” way to raise children who are donor conceived, but there are ways to support their emotional well-being:

• Encourage openness: Early, age-appropriate disclosure supports healthier identity development.
• Recognize individual differences: Some DC individuals feel deeply connected to their donor origins, while others do not. Both experiences are valid and it depends on the personality of the child.
• Provide emotional support: Donor-conceived individuals, especially those struggling with identity concerns, may benefit from support groups or counseling and helping teens and young adults find this is one way that parents can help.

As we continue learning from the voices of DC individuals, one thing remains clear: donor conception is not just about science—it’s about stories, relationships, and the lifelong process of making meaning from our beginnings.

Talbot, C., Hodson, N., Rose, J., & Bewley, S. (2024). Comparing the psychological outcomes of donor and non-donor conceived people: A systematic review. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 131(13), 1747–1759. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17892

Dr. Diederich and Sweet Springs Consultation and Assessment, can help you navigate through the steps of third-party production, considerations around donating your embryos, egg donor evaluations, sperm donor evaluations, evaluations of gestational carriers, and even questions you may have about how to form a relationship that you want with your donor conceived children. Whether you are in Pennsylvania, New York, Hawaii or in one of the other many PsyPact states that Dr. Diederich can practice in virtually, she can help you along your journey.