Known donation vs exchange donation: The new law concerning assisted conception and related treatments requires that donation Ñ in principle Ñ be anonymous. The rules
are flexible in the case of certain specific egg donations as explained above. The CRG prefers to perform all egg donation treatment anonymously. We encourage women
who bring their own donors to enter the system of 'anonymous donation with a presented donor' as opposed to known donation. This also increases the chances of successful
treatment for all of the women receiving donated eggs.
Our preference for anonymity during donation treatment is primarily influenced by psychological reasons. Anonymity is the most effective method of protecting both the
donor and the recipient couple from possible disappointment, conflict and differences in priorities. However good the present relationship may be, no one can predict
what the situation may be within five or ten yearÕs time. If problems should develop with either the pregnancy or the child, relationships may founder if the question
of fault arises.
Even when everything goes well initially, conflicts are not ruled out. Difference of opinions can arise concerning the matter of whether or not to inform the child about
his or her origins. Or do the accepting couple expect you to remain emotionally involved with the child, whilst you yourself find this difficult? Maybe you wish to remain
emotionally involved, but the acceptors have difficulty with this.
All of these potential psychological complications can be avoided by keeping the donation process totally anonymous. A clear line is drawn between the recipient and the
donor. The conditions regarding any outcome of the treatment are clear to all parties from the start.
