Being an egg donor is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It is perfectly normal for this process to take time. There are guidelines and codes of conduct that must be followed by everyone involved in the process.
1. The process of being an egg donor remains consistent, though the specifics of the paperwork and the nature of communication between you and the future parents may vary if there is a successful pregnancy.
2. You should register with the clinic's egg donor registry, providing all your current personal information, such as address, telephone numbers, and identification number. At the age of 18, the child born has the right to access information in the registry if the parents choose to inform their child. Any future contact will go through the appropriate channels.
3. Undergo a psychological evaluation with your intended parents, which typically takes up to 60 minutes. During this evaluation, you will be asked questions about your motivations for becoming an egg donor and your understanding of the role.
4. Consider the type of contact you would like to have with the intended parents and the child. This will be discussed in a conversation with your intended parents before proceeding. Options include being part of the family, being a special friend/aunt, having minimal contact, or no contact at all. It is important to establish a relationship with the intended parents if you decide on any form of contact, considering that the child, upon reaching adulthood, may seek your information even if you initially opted for no contact.
5. If you have or plan to have children of your own, consider the implications of having a child born from your donation who is genetically related to them. You will need to decide whether or not to inform your family about this.
6. The woman who gives birth to the child is the legal mother of the child. Prospective parents are legally and financially responsible for the child and have full custody and parental rights. The donor has no legal rights or responsibilities for the child.