Telling Your Story- Embryo Recipients

Telling Your Child Their Embryo Donor Conceived Story From Birth

Telling Your Child Their Embryo Donor Conceived Story When They Are Older

The importance

• In an age of DNA analysis and increased access to ancestry, it has never been more important to be open and transparent about a person’s family history.
• It is important children hear the information from their own parents & family in a way that hold significance to the family unit and speaks to the uniqueness and individuality of that child.
• As children become adults, information on their medical history holds increased importance.
• Be proud of the path that made you a family. Your kids were very much longed for and conceived with love and generosity.
• Be honest, open and acknowledge their feelings. Be there for them

Guiding Principles

• Focus on “How we became a family” rather than “how you were made”
• Genes make people, love makes a family
• It is never too early or too late to start the conversation
• There is no “right” or “wrong” way
• Donor conceived children are VERY much loved and wanted
• Find your own words that fit your family
• Speak from love
• Don’t try to be perfect or put it off waiting for the “right time”
• Encourage questions
• Speak of it gently, but often changing the language and level of detail as the child grows

A great place to start…..

I / we are so happy to be your parent. I / we need to work so hard to make you. I’m grateful that the donor helped us become a family!

This information was modified utilising content from the VARTA website www.varta.org.au