Deciding how much future connection your child might have with their egg donor is one of the most thoughtful choices you will make during donor egg IVF. It touches on your family's values, how you plan to share your child's story, and what your child may want to know as they grow.

Here is the short answer. Anonymous egg donation, often called non-ID-release donation, means the donor's identity is not shared with you or your child, although non-identifying information from her profile is. Known egg donation can mean either a donor you already know personally, such as a friend or relative, or an ID-release donor, who agrees that your child may request her identifying information after reaching adulthood. In this guide, we explain what these terms really mean, what is and is not legally guaranteed, the long-term considerations for donor-conceived children, and how to decide which option fits your family.

What 'Anonymous' and 'Known' Egg Donation Actually Mean

The terminology around donor identity can be confusing, because different programs use different words. Here is how the most common terms are generally used:

Anonymous or non-ID-release donation. The donor's name and identifying details are not shared with the intended parents or the child. You still receive non-identifying information, such as her physical characteristics, education, interests, personal essay, and family medical history.

ID-release or open-identity donation. The donor remains anonymous during treatment and your child's early years, but she agrees that your child may request her identifying information once your child reaches adulthood, typically at age 18. The exact terms depend on the program and the donor agreement.

Some families also explore more open arrangements. These arrangements are less common with egg banks than with known donors, and their availability depends on the program and the donor's wishes. If this interests you, ask your coordinator what options exist.

It is also important to understand that complete, permanent anonymity is increasingly difficult to guarantee. Consumer DNA testing services allow people to find genetic relatives, which means a donor-conceived person, or a relative of the donor, may be able to identify genetic connections regardless of the original agreement. This does not mean anonymous donation is wrong or ineffective, but it does mean families should choose with realistic expectations.

Legal Rights and What's Actually Guaranteed

The terms of anonymous and ID-release donation are primarily set by the donor agreement signed as part of the donation process. These agreements typically address confidentiality, whether identifying information may be released in the future, and the process for any contact.

Law is also evolving in this area. In the United States, rules differ by state, and a small number of states have begun passing laws that give donor-conceived people the right to access their donor's identity once they reach adulthood. Colorado, for example, has enacted legislation along these lines (Colorado SB22-224, in effect 2025). Lotus Donor Bank holds a Colorado CDPHE license. Other countries have their own rules, and some do not permit anonymous donation at all.

Because of these variations, it is important to avoid assuming that anonymity will be permanent under every circumstance. A few practical points to keep in mind:

Agreements matter. Read the confidentiality and identity-release terms in your agreement carefully, and ask questions about anything unclear.

Location matters. The laws where you live, where your clinic is located, and where your child is born may all be relevant.

Laws can change. Legislation in this area is developing, and future changes may affect how identity information is handled.

When you meet with a reproductive law attorney, useful questions include: What does my donor agreement say about future identity release and contact? How do the laws in my state and my clinic's state treat donor identity? How is legal parentage established in my situation? What should I do if laws change after my child is born? Clear answers now can prevent confusion later.

Egg donation agreements also address parentage. In standard donor arrangements, the donor relinquishes parental rights and responsibilities, and the intended parents are the legal parents. This article is general information, not legal advice, so we strongly recommend consulting a reproductive law attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Long-Term Implications for Donor-Conceived Children

As more donor-conceived people have grown into adulthood and shared their experiences, the conversation around donor identity has become richer and more nuanced. Research and personal accounts suggest that many donor-conceived people are curious about their genetic origins at some point in their lives. For some, that curiosity centers on medical history. For others, it is about understanding their ancestry, their appearance, or simply the story of how they came to be.

Just as important, studies of donor-conceived families have generally found that children do well when parents are open with them about their origins from an early age. Many professional organizations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, encourage parents to share this information with their children. Learning about their conception gradually and naturally, as part of their family story, tends to be easier for children than discovering it unexpectedly later in life.

Medical history is another long-term consideration. A donor's family health history is captured at the time of screening, but new information can emerge over the years. Ask your program how updates to a donor's medical history are handled and how you would be informed of anything important for your child's health, whichever identity option you choose.

Every child is different. Some donor-conceived people never feel a strong need to learn more, while others value the option deeply. Choosing an ID-release donor keeps that door open, while choosing a non-ID-release donor places more emphasis on privacy. Either way, open communication within your family is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child.

Many parents find it helpful to start these conversations when their child is very young, using simple, age-appropriate language and children's books written for donor-conceived families. As children grow, the story can grow with them, adding detail as their questions become more specific. Starting early means your child never has a moment of feeling that something important was kept from them, and it helps donor conception feel like a natural, positive part of who they are.

How to Decide Between Anonymous and Known Donation

There is no single right answer. The best choice reflects your family's values and circumstances. Consider these factors:

Your family's approach to openness. How do you plan to talk with your child about their origins? Families who intend to be very open often find ID-release donation aligns naturally with that approach.

Your child's future perspective. Think about what your child might want to know as a teenager or adult, and how each option supports those possibilities.

Privacy considerations. Some families and donors value privacy for personal, cultural, or professional reasons.

Legal availability. Depending on where you live, some options may be restricted or shaped by local law.

Donor availability. Some donors choose ID-release and others choose non-ID-release, so your preference may influence which donors are available to you.

Extended family. Consider how open you plan to be with grandparents, siblings, and friends, since this can influence how your child hears their story.

Known donor dynamics. If you are considering a friend or relative, think carefully about how the relationship may evolve and what roles everyone expects to play.

It is common for partners to have different initial feelings about this choice. One partner may lean toward openness while the other values privacy. Rather than treating this as a disagreement to win, try exploring the reasons behind each preference. Often, underlying concerns, such as worries about how extended family will react or how the child will feel, can be addressed in ways that bring you closer to a shared decision.

Many families find it helpful to talk these questions through with a counselor who specializes in third-party reproduction. These conversations can bring clarity and help partners align. You can also explore how donor selection fits into the overall journey on our donor egg process page.

How Lotus Supports Both Options

Lotus offers both ID-release and non-ID-release donors where legally available, so you can choose the approach that feels right for your family. Each donor profile indicates her identity-release status, which helps you narrow your search from the start. You can browse profiles anytime in our donor search.

Your Lotus coordinator can explain how each option works, what the donor agreement covers, and how identity-release requests are typically handled. We will be clear about what is and is not guaranteed, so you can make an informed decision. To learn more about our program options, including fresh and frozen donor eggs, visit our donor eggs page.

If you choose an ID-release donor, it is helpful to keep your donor agreement and program contact details in a safe place with your child's important documents. When your child reaches adulthood, having this information organized makes it easier for them to begin the request process if they wish to do so. Your coordinator can explain how requests are typically handled under your program's terms.

Whatever you choose, we are here to support your family with honesty, respect, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between anonymous and known egg donation?

With anonymous, or non-ID-release, donation, the donor's identity is not shared, though non-identifying profile information is. Known donation can mean using a donor you already know personally, or choosing an ID-release donor who agrees that your child may request her identifying information in adulthood. The specific terms are set in the donor agreement and may be shaped by local law.

Is true donor anonymity still guaranteed today?

Complete, permanent anonymity is increasingly difficult to guarantee. Consumer DNA testing can reveal genetic relatives regardless of the original agreement, and some jurisdictions have passed laws giving donor-conceived adults access to donor identity. Donor agreements still set clear expectations, but families should choose with realistic expectations and seek legal guidance for their jurisdiction.

What are ID-release donors?

ID-release donors agree that a child conceived from their donation may request their identifying information after reaching adulthood, typically at 18. During treatment and childhood, the donor's identity remains confidential. Many families choose ID-release donors so their child has the option to learn more about their genetic origins later in life.

Should I tell my child they were donor-conceived?

Many experts and professional organizations encourage openness, and research suggests children tend to adjust well when they learn about their origins early and gradually as part of their family story. How and when you share is a personal decision, and a counselor who specializes in third-party reproduction can help you plan age-appropriate conversations.

Does Lotus offer both anonymous and ID-release (Open-ID) donors?

Yes. Lotus offers both non-ID-release and ID-release donors where legally available, and each donor profile shows her identity-release status. Your coordinator can explain how each option works, what the donor agreement covers, and how to choose the approach that best fits your family.

Explore What's Right for Your Family

The choice between anonymous and known egg donation is deeply personal, and you deserve clear information and thoughtful support as you make it.

Have questions about ID-release vs. non-ID-release options? Speak with a Lotus coordinator at Lotus Donor Bank to explore what is right for your family.