Anonymous vs. Known Donor Counseling

I am a known donor and I love it.  Known donors are fast becoming a preferred option in lesbian parenting.  Whether all the circumstances are in place for a known donor, or whether it is a better choice for you to have an anonymous donor, there are more options today than there ever have been. Knowing the law is key.  For instance, a known donor in New York can only surrender his parental rights to a person, the partner/spouse of the biological mother, or to an agency, child protective services or an adoption agency.  If you are single, the father’s parental rights must be terminated, which could have adverse effects on the father.

I offer a donor questionnaire package for parents considering using a known donor.  Examples of some of the questions I provide to prospective known-donor parents are: How will you refer to the bio-dad’s partner?  Will the bio-dad have a say in the child’s medical treatments?  Would you be comfortable creating a regular visitation schedule with the bio-dad?  These are some of many considerations in choosing the right person to help you have your family.

If you have questions about anonymous v. known donor counseling, please contact me at Anthony@TimeForFamilies.com.