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Considering egg, sperm, double or embryo donation?
Looking for information or support? Feeling alone?
If youโre thinking about using donor conception or are already having treatment, whether in the UK or abroad, weโre here to offer support, information and a community of families in a similar situation. We can help you think through your questions and concerns; just click on the section below that fits your family type to get details aimed more specifically at you and your family.
Already a parent?
Looking for help with telling your child about their conception?
We know it can be daunting to tell your child that they are donor conceived. We believe that openness is best for the child and for the whole family and have 30 years’ experience helping families to think through how and when to share their family’s story. We have books, workshops and online chats to help you navigate these conversations. We also have specific guidance for people with older children who haven’t been told yet, as well as opportunities for children to meet others made ‘just like them’.
Who are you?
Heterosexual couple
Heterosexual couple
Female same-sex couple
Female same-sex couple
Male same-sex couple
Male same-sex couple
Single woman
Single woman
Single man
Single man
More family situations
More family situations
Donor conceived person
Donor conceived person
Donor
Donor
Friend/family member
Friend/family member
Professional
Professional
Featured events
Members and non-members
In person
Apr
13
Getting Started
Event for prospective parents thinking about using a donor.
If youโre thinking about using donor conception, we know youโll have lots of questions. This event is the perfect place to start getting answers. Join us and hear from:
* An embryologist from a UK clinic giving essential medical info
* A donor conceived adult talking about their experiences of growing up DC
* Parents by donor conception talking through their decision-making and life as a parent
๐ช๐ต๐ผ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ? This event is suitable for everyone at the start of their donor conception journey, for same-sex and heterosexual couples and for those planning to become single parents. It’s a friendly, inclusive chance to meet others at a similar stage in a relaxed environment at this in-person event.
๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น: The full day costs just ยฃ75 per person or ยฃ130 per couple when booked before 6 Mar (ยฃ90 and ยฃ160 after that date) and the 11am start time makes it easy to get to Waterloo and home in a day. This event is a Donor Conception Network event so you can rest assured that all information will be impartial and based on our experience of working with donor conception families for the past 30 years.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ธ
The ticket price includes tea, coffee and cake but not lunch; this helps us keep costs down and means you can choose and order whatever you’d like separately. You can find the pub’s menu here: https://www.thehercules.co.uk/food/menus. You are also free to take lunch outside of course but we hope you’ll stay with us during the break as it will be a great opportunity to chat with other attendees and our DCN team.
Members and non-members
Online
Apr
26
Making It Real
Workshop for professionals working with donor conception families and prospective parents.
Do you work with donor conception families or with patients using donor eggs, sperm or embryos? Our โMaking it Realโ workshop is specially designed for you, to enhance your knowledge and understanding of this route to parenthood and help you offer families the support they need.
“๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ธ๐ข๐ด ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต๐ญ๐บ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ข๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐ก๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ท๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฐ!”
“๐ ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ง๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐ญ๐บ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐บ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ด ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฏ๐บ ๐ง๐ช๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ญ๐ข๐ฑ๐ด ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ.”
This workshop will deepen your own understanding of the ways in which creating a child using eggs, sperm or embryos from a third party, including with surrogacy, is different from standard fertility treatments. We look at how to help prospective parents consider the lifetime implications of this route for the child and the family. We also look at how to support families as children grow up and circumstances (and interest levels) change.
๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐
* Friday 26 April 2024
* 9:15am – 4:45pm
* Zoom – Online
* ยฃ120 or early bird price ยฃ100 if booked before 1 March
๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ:
1. Hear the experiences of parents and donor conceived adults – how do these families fare in the long term?
2. Consider the place of the donor, the donor’s family and any genetic siblings or half-siblings in donor conception families (especially important post-2023).
3. Learn how DNA testing is revolutionising the making of genetic connections and the implications for families.
4. Listen to DC Networkโs long view of life for donor conception families
5. Feel better supported in your role in the fast changing world of donor conception.
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ:
* The support needed by donor conception families before, during and after treatment, especially as choices are being made about clinics and countries.
* The popularity of genetic testing companies and the impact of the removal of anonymity in the UK – whatโs changed now that the donor register has opened?
* The services and resources offered by DC Network – and how these complement and build on information provided and counselling undertaken in clinics and elsewhere
* The social and emotional issues of using donated gametes
* The implications of the use of DNA and genetic testing websites
* The experiences of patients and clients in greater depth.
๐๐น๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฑ?
Please note that the content of this workshop will be very similar to those run in previous years. If you attended before, you are welcome to attend the day again or you may like to take this opportunity to recommend it to colleagues so they can experience it for themselves.
Attendance at this workshop will inform your policy and practice in helping you support your clients and patients in making decisions that are right for their future. If you have any questions, please donโt hesitate to get in touch with us on 020 7278 2608 or at enquiries@dcnetwork.org.
Member event
In person
May
4
DCN Spring Conference
Annual London conference for DCN members.
Join us for our annual DCN member conference in North London on 4 May 2024. The event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and to hear from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers.
๐ช๐ต๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐?
* Parents of donor conceived children: If youโve had children this is a chance to meet other parents, to share experiences and get support. This is a family event so we provide childcare and activities for children up to 12 to make it possible for you all to attend the day.
* DC teens: children aged 13-17 can join the teen group.
* DC people 18+: DC adults are welcome to join us and meet with others in the community – if they would be interested in joining the teen group, get in touch.
* Professionals in the field: Please do join us for an informative and thought-provoking event.
๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐?
Youโre welcome to join us at this conference but do be aware that the content is aimed mostly at those who already have donor conceived children. You might therefore prefer to join our Getting Started event on 13 April instead, as this is designed exclusively for people thinking about using a sperm or egg donor and are at the start of their journey to parenthood. Find out more about Getting Started here: https://dcnetwork.org/getting-started
๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ
You can find more details about the conference in the following documents:
* Programme for the day: https://dcnetwork.org/sites/default/files/Programme%204%20May%202024%20Conference.pdf
* Childcare and activities for children: https://dcnetwork.org/sites/default/files/Babies-Children-and-Teens.pdf
* Information summary: https://dcnetwork.org/sites/default/files/General-Information.pdf
๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ก ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ?
This event is for DCN members and is one of the many benefits of membership. You can join us for just ยฃ7 per month (less if you are a lower income household) and as a member you’ll also get access to online chats, WhatsApp groups, exclusive events, and much more. Visit https://dcnetwork.org/membership-benefits to find out more.
Featured
Our Story
One of our bestsellers, ‘Our Story’ is a range of books aimed at young children aged 3-6.ย They provide a simple introduction to donor conception in age-appropriate language. We have nearly 40 different versions covering a wide range of families. We even have books for donors to help them explain to their own children.
Upcoming events
Mar
19
Connect & Reflect – Volunteer session
This session is offered as a space to connect and reflect on the challenges and solutions which may arise in your DCN volunteer role.
Some of the things we may talk about are: basic listening skills, managing a group and our own triggers. We are also inviting you to submit general questions of your own. This will be an opportunity for us to ‘put our heads together’ to work out some great strategies for our roles and beyond…
Mar
19
Solo mums with children conceived through double or embryo donation
This is a DCN chat for solo mums through double or embryo donation- with children of all ages.
Join this chat if you are pregnant/have children through double or embryo donation.
If you are a thinker/tryer there is a DCN chat available for that stage.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This chat will be facilitated by Lucia, solo mum to twins through embryo donation. All our Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
Mar
23
Workshop: Destination Parenthood (single women)
Donor conception, difference and decision making – an ONLINE workshop for single women who are thinking about donor sperm, double or embryo donation.
This Online DCN workshop is for you if you are:
โข A single woman who is thinking about whether donor conception is the right way forward for you to create or expand your family
โข Contemplating sperm, double or embryo donation with or without surrogacy
โข Unsure about donor conception and would like to know more about it
โข Wondering if you need time out to evaluate where you have got to on your fertility journey and what your options may be for the future
โข Thinking about having fertility treatment in the UK or abroad, or currently having treatment in the UK or abroad
โข Using, or contemplating using an anonymous, known or identifiable donor
** Please note that there is a 1 hour session on the Friday night 7.30-8.30pm for introductions and Zoom familiarisation and a 1 hour session on Saturday night 7.30-8.30pm to meet a donor conceived young person and ask them questions.**
Why you should attend?
โข A comfortable and confidential space to think about what it means to you to create or add to your family using a donor
โข Run by three facilitators who are also parents of donor conceived children
โข A donor-conceived young person will also attend to chat with you about their experiences.
โข Talking with others in small and large groups throughout the day
โข Access to on-going peer support group with your fellow delegates
โข Comprehensive sets of handouts about all aspects of donor conception will be sent to you before and after the workshop
This workshop is for those who have not yet conceived through donor conception (though you may have children already who are not donor-conceived)
Please note medical aspects of donor conception are not covered in this workshop.
Mar
24
North west solo mums’ group meetup
The North West solo mums’ group welcomes all solo mums or mums to be. A long running group led by Jenny and Kate who welcome you to join their in person meetups for support and community.
For details about this event, please contact Jenny and Kate – in the first instance you can text Jenny on 07730565449 or email the coordinators on dcn.solomumsNW@hotmail.com
Next date: Sun 24th March, Walton hall gardens, Warrington
Mar
25
Anonymous donation – for those who don’t have ID release or known donors
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing anonymous donation and how that is experienced for us as donation recipients. The chat will be facilitated by Valentina, DCN member, and mum through egg donation to two children through anonymous donation. This DCN Chat is to offer a space to talk about experiences, This is not an educational event and rather, is meant as a peer-support opportunity.
About the Donor Conception Network
They say it takes a village to raise children. Well, sometimes it takes a village to help you even contemplate that journey.
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. We provide support, information and a community of families in a similar situation.
Latest News
& Insights
Personal stories
Kate’s story: Growing up as a donor conceived person
Personal stories
Grateful to receive, glad to give – Emma's egg-sharing story
Pick of the week
Alabama Supreme Court classes frozen embryos as children (BioNews)
Personal stories
Rebekah's story
Pick of the week
Contacting a Gamete Donor for the First Time: The Letter
Personal stories
Joรซlle’s story: A missing side, with missing pieces
Personal stories
Lynda's story: Having a second child as a solo mum
Personal stories
Lou's story: "I needed to know more"
Personal stories
John's story: "The surrogate down our street"
Personal stories
Hannah's solo mum story
Personal stories
Mixed blessings
Personal stories
Mark's story: "Our family felt complete"
Personal stories
Tobyโs special story – by solo mum Jane
Personal stories
Anna's story: "Becoming a solo mum has made my dream come true"
Personal stories
What is a 'real mother?' Alison's story of motherhood via egg donation
Personal stories
Becky’s story: “Thereโs so much more to being a mum than DNA”
Sign up to our mailing list
If you’re interested in donor conception issues, whether personally or professionally, do sign up to our mailing list.
If you are a donor conceived adult this is also the way to connect with us and access the support we offer you.