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Considering egg, sperm, double or embryo donation?
Looking for information or support? Feeling alone?
If you’re thinking about using donor conception or are already having treatment, whether in the UK or abroad, we’re 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’. Choose your family type from the options below to find out more.
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
Nov
23
Workshop: Telling & Talking (IN PERSON, mum-and-dad families)
Members and non-members
Online
May
10
Workshop: Telling & Talking (solo mum and two-mum families)
Featured
Our Story
One of our bestsellers, ‘Our Story’ is a range of books aimed at young children aged 3-6. 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.
Member shortcuts
Connect via WhatsApp
Our WhatsApp groups provide a supportive community and cover a huge range of topics. Choose from 90+ groups to suit your family situation, donation type, location and more…
Connect nowJoin an online chat
DCN online chats are a relaxed, easy way to meet others in a similar situation to you and to talk through shared issues from the comfort of your home.
Join a chat
Find a local group
There’s nothing like meeting in person to help build friendships and we have local groups all over the UK, Ireland and even some abroad to help you build a supportive community.
Find a meet-upUpcoming events
Nov
20
Solo parents to children in primary school (approximately 6-12 years old)
Nov
23
Workshop: Telling & Talking (IN PERSON, mum-and-dad families)
Nov
23
Thames Valley – Solo Mums’ meetup
Nov
24
North west solo mums’ group meetup
Nov
26
The Big Question – How are DC young people *really* doing?
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.
♡ Donate today
We are a small charity and are funded by membership fees and by donations. If you would like to support us, your donation would be greatly appreciated and will help us support the next generation of donor conception families.
News & personal stories
Read personal stories from donor conception families and donor conceived people, our recommended books, news and more…
Articles
Expenses, compensation and new fees for UK donors
Pick of the week
Three tales of late motherhood (Metro)
Personal stories
A personal story of blood and belonging
Articles
The Young Adult Study: How are donor conceived people doing?
Recommended reads
‘Inheritance' by Dani Shapiro
Pick of the week
A cautionary tale of the consequences of deceit and a lack of legal protection
News
PET launches new Fertility Policy Tracker
Pick of the week
An ‘indie’ sperm donor’s perspective (heyreprotech.com)
Pick of the week
‘Ask a therapist’ guidance on sharing information with a disinterested child (US Donor Conceived Council)
News
DCN director Nina Barnsley wins lifetime achievement award
News
DCN statement on new Netflix documentary, ‘The Man with 1000 Kids’
Pick of the week
Parenting a Donor-Conceived Child – 8 Things I've Learned
Pick of the week
The challenges of buying sperm
Recommended reads
Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt
Recommended reads
Building a family with the assistance of donor insemination by Ken Daniels
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.