THIS ISSUE: *My husband’s family object to us using an egg donor. *Infertility workshops or conferences? My husband’s parents object to us using an egg donor. It began with a few moans and groans, now they’re saying they’re reconsidering the wills. They insist they won’t consider the child their grandchild and believe science has gone to far (they won’t admit it, but there’s also the what-will-the-neighbor’s-think attitude.). I don’t care about the money, and neither does my husband really, but then, he has a lot more to lose. …and possibly everything to gain. I respect you have both endured enough… [Read More]
ASK AN EGG DONOR™
THIS ISSUE: *Is an egg donor a mother? *Announcing a pregnancy on Mother’s Day. *What happens in a counseling session between donor and recipient(s)? As an egg donor, do you consider yourself a mother? Biologically, yes, but day-to-day, no. I’m a biological mother to Rachael and Sam, and I’ll always be available to them if they have any questions, from my medical history down to my first movie-star crush. I consider their real mothers to be Angela and Kate, my egg recipients (I donated my eggs to two separate couples, both good friends.) They’re the ones who supervise homework, run carpool,… [Read More]
ASK AN EGG DONOR™
THIS ISSUE: *Tension over sister’s offer. *Office baby showers when you’re TTC. *How to tell my child. My sister and brother-in-law have been TTC (trying to conceive) for a year now, and recently I offered to be her donor. I was shocked when she flew off the handle and stormed off. I didn’t expect a gold medal, but neither did I think she’d chew my head off. It’s been a week of silence. I appreciate you had the very best intentions when you made the offer; it sounds like your sister simply needs some time to process it. They… [Read More]
Correction re: National radio interview
Hello, I’m grateful to share that this weekend, 470 radio stations across the US will carry an interview I recorded for HealthJournal.net. The introduction states I’m based in Australia; actually I’m based in the US and speak frequently about my experience as an egg donor, among many other topics (please see “Speaking” on this site). I’ll wait until Monday to post the link, as requested by the network. My thanks to them for this opportunity. Best wishes, Alicia
ASK AN EGG DONOR™ January 2016
THIS ISSUE: *Unused Embryos *Fertility Registries *When to Look for a Donor *Pre-occupied Friends ***** Q: I’m gay and considering being an anonymous egg donor. The clinic has been great, but one thing bothers me: if there’s left over embryos and the parents don’t want them, why can’t I get them? I’d be open to using an anonymous sperm donor in the future, so I don’t see this as being any different. A: I’m not an attorney, but my understanding is that any and all donor eggs, donor sperm, and embryos created belong wholly and solely to the recipients. That… [Read More]
ASK AN EGG DONOR™
[Welcome to ASK AN EGG DONOR™ – a monthly, chatty forum where you’re invited to ask me anything about egg donation. If we need an expert medical opinion, I’ll put on my journalist hat and ask. That said, please note this column is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.] ASK AN EGG DONOR™ # 01, Nov 2015 Why did you decide to donate, when you chose not to start your own family? —Julia, Boston. My husband Jon and I greeted all the usual milestones with friends: college, 21st celebrations, weddings, babies – oh, except the last one. We chose not to… [Read More]