What happens when your child starts asking about their biological roots—and you realize you don’t have all the answers?
In Part 1 of this thoughtful two-part series, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne explores why donor-conceived children often seek connection to their genetic identity, how families can prepare for these questions, and the pros and cons of platforms like the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR). Whether you're using an egg, sperm, or embryo donor, this episode will help you navigate the emotional, ethical, and practical sides of sharing your child’s origin story.
What You’ll Learn:
Why biology matters to donor-conceived kids—even if you’re the full-time parent
How early conversations about origin shape identity and trust
The difference between anonymous vs. known donors
What the Donor Sibling Registry is and how it works
The emotional weight of “finding out” vs. “growing up knowing”
Why openness now avoids difficult surprises later
What to expect when connecting with donor siblings or half-sibling families
Legal limitations around donor tracking
How to emotionally prepare before searching
Why this isn’t about replacing you—it’s about completing a part of them
Resources Mentioned:
SMS #26- The Man with 1000 Kids - Safety Precautions for Surrogacy
Book Your family - a donor kids story: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Family-Donor-Kids-Story/dp/0692106936
Key Takeaways:
Children often care about their genetic identity more than we expect
Early openness creates stronger family bonds
DSR is one of the few platforms that allows intentional, mutual contact
Parents should emotionally prepare before connecting with donor-linked families
