A Donor’s Perspective
 By
TDSI Staff
In
most cases, donors and recipients do not meet; therefore there are generally few opportunities for interactive dialogue
between the parties. We asked a donor, Elizabeth (not her real name) who recently completed an egg donation cycle, with
The Donor Source, if she would provide us with some insight into her experience as a donor, both during and after the
process.
We felt her answers, being both sincere and thought provoking, might be illuminating for Intended Parents, considering
or who have already embarked upon the egg donation process.
TDS: What
first drew you to apply as an egg donor?
Elizabeth: A very good friend had been dealing with issues surrounding her fertility. Though we were
both young college-age women at the time, I saw the impact that the situation was having on her. While she
hadn't been necessarily planning on having children in the near future, but it made me realize I had simply taken my
fertility for granted. It raised questions like "When do I want to start a family? What will
happen if I discover that I cannot conceive?"
TDS: Were you hesitant to tell those close to you about your choice to be a donor?
Elizabeth: Those that are close to me are very caring and understanding people. I was not hesitant
in the least because I knew that they would be open to discussing my decision. I knew that their only hesitations
would come from any possible health risks, but everyone who knows me well knows that I am not a careless person. Mostly
I knew that the people in my life –professional and personal – would appreciate the compassion and commitment
involved in egg donation.
TDS: Did you receive any negative feedback from those people you told?
Elizabeth: The only hesitation anyone had was regarding possible medical issues that would arise, such
as hyper-stimulation. Once we all took the time to research the issue, we realized how rare and relatively harmless
this condition is. My friends and family have great respect for the critical thinking I bring into any situation,
and they understand that I would never be reckless with my health.
TDS: How well prepared did you feel you were for the actual process of donation?
Elizabeth: The Donor Source has provided me with excellent case managers who answer even my most silly questions.
They sat me down for some consultations that dove into the specifics of the cycles that got into the nitty-gritty of
the health and science involved, without going over my head at any point. The legal and psychological consultations
were also of great assistance. Along the way, I was given contact information for each person who assisted
me so that when I did have a question (and I had plenty), I knew whom to call, and they always had an answer for me.
TDS: While participating in your cycle, did you have any moments of doubt or did you ever feel as if you
regretted your decision to donate?
Elizabeth: No, not at all. There were points where I was curious as to just what I had gotten myself into,
but that was just the natural anxiety associated with doing something completely new.
TDS: If your younger sister were considering becoming
a donor, how would you respond?
Elizabeth: I would tell her to go for it! You learn a lot about your body and your heart
through egg donation.
TDS: Did you feel that the level of scrutiny given to
your physical and psychological screening results was appropriate? Did you feel anything inappropriate or unnecessary
was asked of you?
Elizabeth: I thought the testing on all levels was very thorough. The staff and parents were gracious and enthusiastic. They
were like my very own cheerleaders, pepping me up and making sure I got the support I needed.
TDS: If the Intended Parents were to request a meeting
between them, you and the child, would you consider it?
Elizabeth: Intended Parents involved egg donation have invested a lot of time and thought into every part
of conception. Their dedication and commitment to their family is overwhelming and inspiring. My
confidence in their decisions is complete. Should the Intended Parents wish to introduce me to their child,
I would most certainly consider it.
TDS: Overall, would you say that your experience as a
donor has been a positive one?
Elizabeth: Being an ovum donor has been one of the most positive experiences in my life.
TDS: Are you curious about the results of your donation?
Do you ever think about how the intended parents and any child/children are doing?
Elizabeth: While my part in the process is complete at that point, I am definitely curious what resulted. I
would be thrilled when and if the Intended Parents release the results to me, but I am not worried if they don't. I
know that these families have a tried-and-true commitment to each other, and I'm certain they will thrive, whatever the
results may be.
TDSI Staff
The Donor Source
www.thedonorsource.com
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