Third Party Reproduction

The decision to use donor egg, donor sperm, or donor embryo to build your family is very personal. And complex.

For donor recipients, a psychoeducational consultation with a trained reproductive mental health professional is in keeping with the guidelines and recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is required by most reproductive endocrinologists and fertility clinics.

This consultation is an opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings, ask questions and discuss concerns, and receive information to help you navigate this unique path to parenthood. This consultation is NOT about determining your fitness to be a parent.

Some of the topics addressed during counseling include:

• Emotional readiness in using a donor to build your family

• Feelings about the loss of a genetic connection to your child

• Choosing a donor

• Directed vs. non-identifed donors

• Appropriate expectations, boundaries and healthy communication with directed donors

• Disclosure to donor conceived children

In the case of a directed donor, the recipients and donor (and partner if applicable) also participate in a group session.

I also offer evaluation services for prospective egg and sperm donors.