International Donor Conception Awareness Day (IDCAD) is coming up on April 27, 2025, and in this episode, I’m sharing how you can get involved in this growing global movement. Whether you're a parent, a donor-conceived person, a professional, or simply an ally, there’s a meaningful way for you to participate.

IDCAD is about lifting the shame and secrecy around donor conception and centering the voices of those with lived experience. This year, partners from the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, and beyond are joining in to raise awareness and advocate for more ethical, transparent practices in donor conception.

In this episode, I cover:

Why IDCAD was founded and what it stands for

How to participate on April 27 — from sharing the logo to posting your story using #IDCAD

Why now is a great time to tell your child if you haven’t already

Ways professionals and parents can contribute to real change

Resources mentioned:

Three Makes Baby Book-How to Parent Your Donor Conceived Child

donorconceptionawarenessday.com  

Let’s make this year's IDCAD the biggest yet. Together, we can move toward a more open, inclusive, and human-centered future for donor conception.

In this special episode, fertility counselor Jana Rupnow invites Dr. Diane Tober, a medical anthropologist and associate professor at the University of Alabama, to discuss the intricate dynamics of egg donation. Dr. Tober delves into her research on egg donors and the global market for human eggs, providing insights into the experiences and challenges faced by donors.

Dr. Tober shares compelling stories from her book "Eggonomics," including her eye-opening experience in a Spanish clinic observing an egg retrieval procedure, which shed light on the vulnerability and lack of recognition experienced by donors.

Listeners will learn about the biopolitics of donor conception, the motivations and socioeconomic backgrounds of donors in the U.S. and Spain, and the ethical challenges surrounding donor anonymity and informed consent. The conversation emphasizes the need for better donor care and transparent practices, encouraging recipient parents to advocate for their donors and understand the long-term implications of donor-assisted conception.

In this heartfelt episode, I speak with Angela, an egg donor who shares her medical scare that could impact the lives of the children born from her donations.

As an egg donor beginning in 2010, with children herself, she share her challenges with anonymity and the feelings she has had since donating, including the responsibility she feels to inform the children born from her donations of a potentially heritable condition.

Angela advocates for better transparency and communication within the egg donation field. This episode is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our actions and the lives we touch.

Host Jana Rupnow engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Jill Maron, Chief of Pediatrics at Women's and Infant Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at Brown University. Dr. Maron shares her unique perspective as both a neonatologist and a donor-conceived individual, offering a deeply personal account of discovering her genetic origins at the age of 46.

Dr. Maron discusses the ethical implications of DNA testing for donor-conceived children, the unregulated donor system in the United States, and the psychological burden that can accompany genetic revelations. She also highlights the importance of protecting children's autonomy and ensuring responsible practices in the field of reproductive technology.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of genetic testing, the responsibilities of parents and medical professionals, and the need for greater regulation to safeguard the well-being of donor-conceived individuals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of genetics, ethics, and the lived experiences of donor-conceived people.

Lindsay, a donor-conceived individual. continues to share her perspective on International Donor Conception Awareness Day, 2024.

Learn one person's perspective on controversial issues like donor anonymity, DNA testing, health information, and emotional ramifications. She shares how genetics significantly influence our sense of self and how comprehending biological lineage can be not only revealing but also liberating.

importance of early and open conversations with donor-conceived children, fostering understanding, and acceptance. This episode highlights the integral role of a donor in a recipient's identity formation and underscores the shared responsibility of parents to acknowledge and celebrate their child's complete genetic heritage.

This epi will help you understand the nuances, challenges, and inherent beauty of donor conception. Listen in as my guest shares her heart-stirring commitment to help people understand the realities and implications of being donor conceived.

In concurrence with International Donor Conception Awareness Day, this episode aims to promote the narrative of the donor-conceived community. Tune in, learn, and embrace the essence of valuing the voices of the donor-conceived community, this year's IDCAD theme.

It's the 4th annual International Donor Conception Awareness Day and in line with the theme, "Valuing the Voices of Donor Conceived People" I welcome Lindsay again, a donor-conceived individual, to share her profound story of self-discovery and conception.  Lindsay talks about her journey and the transformation in her perspective over time. Lindsay’s story serves as a prominent example of the shifting dynamics in the discourse around donor parents and donor-conceived individuals and it defines the essence of our conversation. Follow Lindsay's narrative as she ventures through years of uncertainty, exploration and affirmation, grappling with complex emotions and a deep-set longing for her biological roots. Throughout her journey, Lindsay confronts ethical boundaries, familial tensions and sweeping revelations, all stemming from the simple yet profound fact of her donor conception. The conversation touches on how Lindsay discovered she was donor-conceived, her experience navigating the terrain of sibling discoveries, and her encounter with a 'public eye' biological parent who won't acknowledge her. Lindsay's story adds another layer of truth to the unspoken narratives of donor-conceived individuals, highlighting their quiet struggles and the need for donor conception education and transparency. Tune in for what promises to be a thought-provoking discussion.

From unequal power dynamics in the fertility industry to the concept of genetic genealogy, we delve deep into our perceptions of identity, inheritance, and belonging. Visit donorconceptionawarenessday.com for more info.

The future of donor conception is here! This episode features my special guest Danielle of The Seed Scout. She shares her and her wife's path to parenthood, including the challenges they faced with sperm banks.

Danielle and her wife's path to parenthood took them through the maze of sperm banks, encountering impersonal processes that left them feeling disconnected. Fueled by this experience, they opted for a known donor, taking control of their process and creating a better way for others. We explore their challenges, shedding light on the significance of openness in genetic origins and the importance of updated medical histories for donor-conceived individuals and their families.

With a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ needs, Danielle shares invaluable insights into the legal complexities of parental rights in donor conception. She addresses potential parents' concerns about privacy. Sharing how known donors can enrich your family's story without intruding on your personal life. 

The Seed Scout leverages their expertise to guide clients through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and informed journey.  Connect with them on social media @theeseedscout

After taking some time off for several positive life transitions in 2023, Jana returns to her podcast with a bang!

To kick off season 4, she's chatting with the multi-talented Erin Maya – actress, producer, composer, and the brains behind The Complete Picture Musical, a groundbreaking show about donor conception. Together, they unpack the birth of this musical gem and explore the complexities of donor conception, busting myths and shedding light on what it's really like.

Trust is a big theme here, especially when it comes to the bond between parents and donor-conceived kids. Erin shares her own journey, from grappling with her identity to owning it with pride, showing us that trust and open communication are game-changers.

This episode gives us a glimpse into the overlapping themes of those touched by adoption and donor conception. As an adoptee, Jana shares her own story of reconnecting with her biological father, showing us the highs and lows of the experience, including the immense love and loyalty she has for her dad, the one that raised her.

In the end, it's all about the power of honest conversations. Whether you're navigating donor conception yourself or just curious about it, this episode is a must-listen for its invaluable insights and heartfelt storytelling. 

If you're interested in watching the entire concert, simply email [email protected] for the link. She would appreciate any donations in return. You can send your donations to the musical's Venmo account @thecompletepicturemusical. For more information and updates about The Complete Picture, follow the show on Instagram @thecompletepicturemusical or visit our website at www.thecompletepicturemusical.com. If you'd like to get involved, please reach out to Erin at [email protected].

April 27, 2023 is International Donor Conception Awareness Day.

Link to IDCAD2023: https://donorconceptionawarenessday.com/

Link to educational courses for parents and CEUs for professionals

CEUS: https://three-makes-baby-preparation-and-parenting.teachable.com/p/home

Fertility challenges can cause intense feelings that make you want to withdraw and hide. It’s important to understand the difference between secrecy and privacy and how the shame of infertility may live on.

Secrecy is when you actively withhold information from others, often out of fear or shame. This can be detrimental to your mental health and relationships as it creates a sense of isolation and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It takes a lot of effort and energy to maintain a secret, and the longer you keep it, the more it can weigh you down.

On the other hand, privacy is when you choose to keep certain information to yourself or within a trusted circle. This can be a healthy way to protect your personal boundaries and maintain control over your own life. It’s important to remember that you have the right to privacy, and it’s okay to set boundaries around what you share with others.

If you’re struggling with fertility challenges, it’s important to find a support system that you trust and feel comfortable opening up to. This could be a therapist, support group, or trusted friends and family members. By sharing your experiences and feelings with others, you can find a sense of community and support that can help you navigate this difficult time.

While it’s important to protect your privacy, it’s also important to recognize when secrecy is doing more harm than good. By opening up and sharing your struggles with others, you can find the support and understanding you need to overcome fertility challenges and move forward with your life.

#IDCAD2020 #movingtips secrecy #privacy #fertilitychallenges #mentalhealth #relationships #isolation #guilt #shame #personalboundaries #supportsystem #therapist

"Alot of times, donors are just viewed as genetic material." Melissa, an egg donor for two years, shares her experience with anonymous donation. Now that she has children she wonders what happened with her donations. She wonders if the kids are alright. She expresses her willingness to be open and connect with the recipient parents and children, while also respecting boundaries.

If you'd like to learn more about how to prepare to connect, I've got some resources for you! Making Contact is a how-to guide to prepare for contact whether you are a donor, donor conceived person or recipient parent. Link for more: https://three-makes-baby-preparation-and-parenting1.teachable.com/p/making-contact