Statutory information for the children born of oocyte donation in the UK: what will they be told in 2008?

In the UK, non-identifying information on the donor is recorded by statute in assisted reproduction with gamete donation. This may be made available eventually to the resulting children. Prospective parents are counselled about openness, and often wish to know what may be available if the child has access to this information. We analysed forms from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority completed by all donors at the Lister in-vitro fertilization unit. We found that 94% of oocyte donors did not respond to the last question asking for a brief description of themselves, leaving only profession and interests as information to be given in the future. There was a significant difference between the known and anonymous responders. This has important implications for the future parents who want to tell their child of his/her origins.