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
‘ … We’re using our 30th anniversary to start a discussion about the future of fertility treatment and our regulatory powers, to ensure that we continue to be a modern and effective regulator that is prepared for future scientific changes while championing safe and effective patient care at all times.' - Julia Chain, HFEA Chair
'A chance to watch the "Let’s All Talk Fertility" webinar, which featured DCN director Nina giving an introduction to donor conception ...'
‘Same sex couples in Enfield and Haringey can currently access NHS funding for intrauterine insemination (IUI), but same sex couples in Barnet, Camden and Islington cannot. In addition, if patients wishing to use donor eggs have self-funded the provision of their donor gametes, they can access NHS-funded IVF in Barnet, Enfield and Islington, but not in Camden and Haringey.’
‘Writing the letter and personal description was one of the more challenging aspects of the donation preparation process – much more so than the blood tests, scans and counselling needed to assess my suitability as a donor. What do you write to someone who you’re not sure will be born?’
‘ … if you're going to do it late, I hope you had some fun beforehand. If I hadn't done a lot of things earlier, I might be thinking, 'Gee, I'll never do them now.' And I won't.’
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