Donor Conception Network
Parent led: child focused. Supporting donor conception families for 30 years
We're a supportive charity network of over 2,200, mainly UK-based, families with children conceived with donated sperm, eggs or embryos, those thinking about or undergoing donor conception procedures and donor conceived people.
What's happening at DC Network
Some upcoming events
Limited tickets for non-members on sale now
Considering egg, sperm, double or embryo donation?
Looking for information or support? Feeling alone?
If you are contemplating donor conception or are having treatment, whether in the UK or abroad (whatever kind of donor you are using) we are here to offer support and information. We can help you think through your questions and concerns; just click on the section below that fits to get details aimed more specifically at you and your situation. If you are at the early stages you might want to attend a webinar to get an overview of donor conception and what to consider. Our professionally run, facilitated Destination Parenthood workshops provide more in-depth and focussed spaces to explore your hopes and fears and share with others at a similar stage. Feedback from these workshops is extremely positive and we know they can be transformative.
We provide support through
Connection with others
They say it takes a village to raise children. Well, sometimes it takes a village to help you even contemplate that journey.
Already parents? Looking for help with telling your child?
If you are pregnant or already have children of any age conceived through donor conception then we have lots of resources as well as support and information for you and your family.
If you would like a dedicated opportunity to explore how to start the conversation with your children about how they were conceived you might like to attend one of our Telling and Talking workshops.
If you are looking for books to support 'telling' have a look in our bookshop and choose the section that fits your situation best. We have a range of books for children called 'Our Story' and a series for parents called 'Telling and Talking' which cover developmental stages (0-7yrs, 8-12yrs and 12yrs+).
If you have older children (12yrs+) or adult children who you haven't told yet we can help explore that and offer support Telling Older Children and Adults
We also have information for
Articles and News
‘There are counter arguments on both sides. But the current situation has led to great uncertainty and, in many cases, grief.'
'It’s interesting how quickly you may find yourself in situations where you’ll have to make decisions about how much of your story to share with people. You may be asked questions, often sooner than you think, that require a certain level of honesty about how you conceived. It’s really helpful to be prepared for that, so you don’t get caught off-guard.'
'Theo walked out and said ‘we’re donating’. He wanted to give another family struggling with fertility the same gift we were lucky enough to produce ourselves ...'
Regarding the recent Guardian article around donor anonymity, which the HFEA are currently revisiting, we did speak to the journalist and also put her in touch with some DC people to give their comments.
‘In the UK, egg donation was articulated as a “scarce gift with enduring responsibility”; in Belgium this was “disconnected tissue exchange”; and in Spain this was expressed as a “mutually beneficial sisterhood”.'
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