New law grants young individuals the ability to connect with sperm donor parents

A change in UK law now allows people born using a sperm or egg donor to find out the identity of their donor when they turn 18. Twins Matthew and Phoebe Betts, who have known since the age of two that they were conceived using a sperm donor, have eagerly awaited the opportunity to discover their donor's name and last-known address. They already have some information about their donor's physical characteristics and interests. In 2005, a law was enacted in the UK removing anonymity for anyone donating sperm, eggs, or embryos after that date. More than 70,000 people in the UK have been born through donor conception since 1991, and the first group of individuals affected by the change in the law are now turning 18. Matthew and Phoebe's parents deliberately waited until after the law change to pursue fertility treatment. They have always been open about the twins' conception, and the siblings are excited to potentially meet their half-siblings born from the same donor. Thousands of people in the UK are conceived through donor conception and are hoping to be able to find their donors. By the end of 2024, approximately 766 individuals will have reached the age to request identifying information about their donor, and by 2030, this number will rise to nearly 11,500. Those born before 2005, however, will not benefit from the recent law change and will have to rely on home DNA testing kits or hope that the donors have come forward voluntarily to lift their anonymity. For some, like the author of the article, finding out about their donor has been an emotional journey. Supportive parents and the discovery of donor siblings have provided a sense of completion and pride. Matthew and Phoebe's parents are grateful for the opportunity to thank their donor for the significant impact that person has had on their lives.