What is "third-party reproduction?" It's when fertility treatment involves genetic material from someone besides the intended parent(s), whether that's eggs, sperm, or embryos. Sometimes the use of donated eggs or sperm is always part of the plan, while for others the decision to use donated material can be complicated. Often there can be sadness or disappointment that a child does not share the parent(s)' DNA. Advances in consumer genetic testing have also changed how we counsel when someone hopes to use a donor anonymously. Melanie Mikkelsen L.C.S.W., M.S.W., is a counselor at Seattle Reproductive Medicine, and she helps potential parents and donors prepare for the realities of fertility treatment.

Why is counseling necessary? As Ruby, Anne, and Melanie discuss, all fertility treatment can be an emotional roller coaster for the hopeful parents. And with third-party donation, it's important for everyone involved to understand the process and repercussions and be prepared for the emotional journey.

To learn more about Melanie and third-party donation (and fertility treatments of all kinds), be sure to visit The Whole Pineapple's sponsor website, https://www.seattlefertility.com/.

As always, you can find more episodes as well as information about your hosts, Ruby and Anne, at https://thewholepineapple.com/.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology: https://www.sart.org/
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine: https://www.asrm.org/
• Resolve: https://resolve.org/