Assisted Reproduction & More

New forms of assisted reproduction and the terms that describe them continue to evolve. Whether surrogacy, embryo adoption or donor conception, or even in vitro fertilization (IVF), each can be complicated to explain to children and extended family. Assisted reproduction used to be kept secret. Today we know that children conceived through donors can have many of the same questions, thoughts and concerns around identity—including grief & loss—that adoptive children do. In particular, when young adults receive DNA results, it can also trigger big, surprise reactions! The gold standard guidance? Share their story often and early with your child! Please reference our Adoptee & Foster Voices, All About Me, Grief and Loss, Life Story Work, and Talking About Adoption, Foster Care & Other Hard Things pages for more resources.