MRSi 2025: Lights, Camera, Action - The Stars of ART
Expert Lecture Series: Shining the Spotlight on Gamete Donors - Donor Registries Award Worthy or Undeserving of Nomination? CME/CE
| Date | Friday, June 6, 2025 |
| Time | 11:45am - 12:30pm CST |
| Location | Superior |
Summary
This presentation explores the evolving landscape of donor-conceived reproduction, with a focus on the role and effectiveness of donor registries. Beginning with the historical foundations of secrecy in gamete donation, the presentation traces how the field has shifted toward transparency in response to advances in reproductive technology, changes in family structure, and the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Psychological outcomes for donor-conceived people (DCP) are examined, highlighting the importance of early disclosure, access to identity, and medical history. The legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families and non-traditional parents are addressed, with attention to gaps in state-level protections and inconsistencies in the application of the Uniform Parentage Act.
The presentation evaluates the benefits and limitations of current registry systems in the U.S. and contrasts them with international models that offer mandatory, identity-release frameworks. Perspectives from DCP, gamete donors, and LGBTQ+ parents reveal the emotional complexity of contact, the desire for connection, and the need for long-term support.
In conclusion, the presentation advocates for the development of a national, ethically guided registry system that centers the rights and psychological needs of donor-conceived individuals while supporting all stakeholders—parents, donors, and families alike.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role of disclosure in donor conception and its impact on donor-conceived individuals.
- Identify the purposes and functions of donor registries in supporting donor-conceived individuals.
- Discuss the psychological and ethical considerations related to identity disclosure and registry access.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of donor registry systems in clinical and legal contexts.
Ariadna Cymet Lanski, PsyD