Should I tell my child about his origins? Are there any psychological repercussions?

And once I am pregnant?

Although there are several contrasting studies on the psychological effects that receiving donated oocytes and/or semen may produce, every family is free to choose their own position on the subject: tell the child from an early age, wait until he or she is older, or never tell them.

It is a personal decision and there is no a right or wrong option: it all depends on the context of each family, the social and cultural acceptation that surrounds them and the acceptation of the patients themselves faced with this assisted reproduction technique that has enabled them to have a child.

The psychological effect is supposed to be less than in the case of adoption as there is no rejection by or loss of the progenitors but rather an act of generosity on the part of a donor in order to help the parents conceive a child. This child has never had any other parents or a prior history and therefore there are fewer doubts about his or her origin.

It is true that, genetically, there is a difference, an unknown factor, a mystery, as the law protects both the parents and the donors. Even if this law were to change in the future, it could never be backdated. Therefore, even if the child wanted to find out more information in the future, he would only be able to find out what you already know: the blood group and age of the donor at the time of the donation.

There are some very well-written books for children on this subject that try to explain to the children from a very young age, the donation of eggs or sperm so that they are able to understand why their parents needed help to conceive them. Also, nowadays, the media and information available to explain in vitro fertilization or oocyte donation are very well developed.

With the passing of time, the taboos and prejudices on this subject have disappeared and this helps communication between the children and their parents. In fact, the assisted reproduction techniques available nowadays enable many families to be happy.