Finding Out I Was Donor-Conceived
Thousands of families in Victoria have used donor eggs, sperm or embryos to help create their children. Some people were told as young children that they were donor-conceived. Others find out when they are much older - as teenagers or as adults. Finding out at this time can lead to feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, betrayal and anger. You are likely to need time to process this new information and what it means for you. It may be hard for you to understand why this information has been kept from you. At the time your parents had their treatment they may have been advised to keep this a secret or may have found it really difficult to tell you; so put it off. They may have also feared that if you found out about the donor that you would reject them.
It may help to talk to others who are also donor-conceived or to counsellors who work in this area. It is important to talk with close friends and family members.
Private practice counsellors working in this area
Veronica Clark - Ph: 9350 6362
Wendy Haines - Ph: 409 960 292
Kim Paleg - Ph: 0412 287 773
Resources & support
The Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority provides resources and support for people and families created through donor conception in Victoria. Assisted reproductive treatment clinics routinely provide counselling for individuals and couples considering donor treatment and may provide counselling to past patients.
The Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority provides a range of information within this website, and staff members are available to talk with you and put you in touch with the most appropriate support. Contact us
Listen to a podcast of ‘Narelle’ and her experience of finding out she was donor-conceived as a teenager
Useful links
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The Donor Conception Support Group (DCSG) was formed by people who wanted to connect with other donor-conceived families, and its members now include parents, donors and donor-conceived adults.
The DCSG website has a range of information materials, including books, videos, information about local activities. |
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The website of the United Kingdom Donor Conception Network also has useful information and resources. The UK Donor Conception website has a range of story books available for download. The books are aimed at donor-conceived children and young adults, and provide a tool for parents to explain donor conception. |
