Egg donation home page Egg donation - for donors Questions and answers

What information about me will be kept on file?

By law, donors' names and dates of birth have to be given to the HFEA which holds them on its confidential information register. It also keeps a basic description containing such details as eye and hair colour, occupation and interests.

Why does the HFEA need to know my name and date of birth?

The HFEA has a legal duty under the HFE Act to tell adults who ask whether they were born as a result of treatment using donated eggs or sperm, and also to pass on identifying details if requested. If a child born as a result of egg donation wishes to marry, they can contact the HFEA to find out whether they are related to their future partner. If the HFEA did not keep some basic information, it would be impossible to help in this way.

The HFEA issues a standard form to clinics which must be filled in by donors before they begin treatment. The clinic keeps one copy and another copy will be sent to the Authority. This is stored securely on their computerised register. It is a criminal offence to disclose a donors name without authorisation, and the penalty is up to two years' imprisonment and a fine.

The only people allowed to know a donor's name are members and employees of the Authority and staff covered by an HFEA licence at the clinic or storage centre. You will find that as your treatment progresses you will get to know the staff at your clinic. They are legally obliged to keep your details confidential.

As adults, donor-conceived people can receive identifying information about donors if they request it.

Why do I need to include a description of myself?

The desire that many adopted children have to find out more about their origins is well-known, and it's possible that in future adult offspring may well wish to find out more about their genetic 'mother'. This is the reason that the general information is collected. In addition to these general details, the consent form includes a section where you are invited to give a 'pen picture' of yourself (ie an outline of a hundred words or so) which describes you more fully in your own words. You don't have to fill in this section if you don't want to.

After reaching the age of 18, a donor-conceived person can contact the HFEA to request these basic details, as adopted children similarly have access to information about their origins. They may request identifying information or simply medical and health-related information.

January 2005