When building your family through egg donation, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose an anonymous or known egg donor. Both options are valid—and deeply personal. Understanding the key differences can help you make the choice that’s right for your family.
At Egg Donor Asia, we support both anonymous and known donation arrangements, offering flexibility and guidance every step of the way.
🤝 What Is a Known Egg Donor?
A known donor is someone whose identity is shared with the intended parents. This could be:
A friend or family member who offers to donate
A donor you meet through an agency who agrees to be known to you
A donor who is open to future communication with the child
In this arrangement, both parties typically go through legal counseling and sign agreements to define expectations and boundaries—such as future contact, privacy, and disclosure to the child.
🕊️ What Is an Anonymous Egg Donor?
An anonymous donor is someone who donates eggs without disclosing her identity to the intended parents—or vice versa. These donors are recruited by agencies (like Egg Donor Asia) and are carefully screened, but their full names and contact details remain private.
Some anonymous donors may share non-identifying information like:
Childhood and adult photos (optional)
Ethnic background
Education and hobbies
Medical and genetic history
In most cases, there is no direct contact between the donor and the intended parents.
⚖️ Key Differences at a Glance
Feature Anonymous Donor Known Donor
Identity shared? No Yes
Communication allowed? No direct contact Open or limited communication
Legal agreement needed? Standard agency contract Custom legal agreement required
Future contact with child? Typically not allowed Can be negotiated
Emotional involvement Minimal More personal
🧬 Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are a few questions to consider:
Do you want your child to have the option of contacting the donor in the future?
→ A known or open-identity donor may be better suited.
Do you prefer a simpler, more private arrangement?
→ An anonymous donor may be the right choice.
Are you working with a friend or relative?
→ This would automatically make it a known donation, and legal guidance is essential.
💬 What About “Open-ID” or “Identity-Release” Donors?
Some agencies, including Egg Donor Asia, also offer open-identity donors—donors who agree to allow the child to contact them once they reach adulthood. This offers a middle ground between anonymity and full disclosure.
🌏 Cultural Considerations for International Families
In the U.S., laws and norms around known vs. anonymous donation vary by state and clinic. At Egg Donor Asia, we work with intended parents from around the world and ensure each arrangement is legally secure and culturally appropriate.
❤️ Our Promise: Support, Whatever Path You Choose
At Egg Donor Asia, we believe in choice. Whether you feel more comfortable with a confidential process or want a deeper personal connection with your donor, we’re here to guide you with respect, empathy, and professionalism.
👣 Next Steps
If you’re unsure about which type of donor is right for you, we’re happy to help.
🔗 Request a free consultation
📧 Or email us with your questions—we’ll walk you through every option.
Let your path to parenthood be guided by trust, clarity, and care.