Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

For donor conceived people and people born through surrogacy

Surrogacy Awareness Week aims to share information and stories from individuals born through assisted reproduction, and in doing so it is recognised that this may lead people to need additional information and support.

Whether you’re seeking information about your biological background, looking for community support, or navigating your conception story, here are some organisations in the UK that can provide the guidance and support you need:

For Donor-Conceived Individuals

1. Donor Conceived UK (DCUK)

• Overview: A peer-led charitable organisation representing donor-conceived people, donors, and others affected by donor conception practices in the UK.
• Services: Offers support, education, and advocacy. Provides a private Facebook group for donor-conceived individuals over 18, creating a community for sharing experiences and advice.
• Contact: Visit Donor Conceived UK.

1. Donor Conception Network (DCN)

• Overview: Supports families with children conceived through donor sperm, eggs, or embryos and offers resources for donor-conceived individuals.
• Services: Workshops, events, and a platform to connect with other donor-conceived people.
• Contact: Visit Donor Conception Network.

1. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

• Overview: Provides guidance and support for donor-conceived individuals seeking information about their donors or donor-conceived siblings.
• Services: Free and confidential support services, resources to help you think through key issues before making contact.
• Contact: Visit HFEA.

1. British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)

• Overview: Access to counsellors with expertise in supporting individuals dealing with infertility and donor conception issues.
• Services: Helps donor-conceived individuals navigate their feelings and the complexities of their situations.
• Contact: Visit BICA.

1. We Are Donor Conceived

• Overview: A global resource centre established by donor-conceived individuals.
• Services: Platform to share experiences, connect with others, access various resources including support groups and educational materials.
• Contact: Visit We Are Donor Conceived.

Finding Out More About Your Donors

For donor-conceived individuals in the UK looking to find out more information about their donors, the following resources are invaluable:

1. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

• Overview: As mentioned above, HFEA provides comprehensive support and guidance for those seeking information about their biological origins.
• Contact: Visit HFEA for more information.

1. Donor Conceived Register (DCR)

• Overview: This register helps donor-conceived people and their donor relatives to contact each other. It includes genetic testing to confirm relationships.
• Contact: Visit Donor Conceived Register.

1. Donor Sibling Link (DSL)

• Overview: Operated by HFEA, this service allows donor-conceived individuals to find and connect with their donor-conceived siblings.
• Contact: Visit Donor Sibling Link.

For Individuals Born Through Surrogacy

1. Surrogacy UK Foundation

• Overview: A charitable organisation aiming to protect and promote the rights of people born through surrogacy.
• Services: Provides information, advice, and guidance to support individuals in understanding their origins. Raises awareness and promotes ethical surrogacy practices within the UK’s legal framework.
• Contact: Visit Surrogacy UK Foundation.

These resources offer a range of support, from connecting with others who share similar experiences to professional counselling and guidance.

For more information or personal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to these organisations directly through their websites.