A story about a baby recently born after having been a cryopreserved embryo for the past 27 years has made headlines around the globe. This story has caused a big stir in the donor conception community, with many donor-conceived adults concerned about the lack of forethought about the future of this child.

One point made is that assuming this was an "open" embryo adoption, the child has about thirty fewer years with her genetic parents involved/available to answer questions she has and develop a relationship if it is desired by the parties involved.

A second point: if this was an "anonymous" embryo adoption, the child is missing out on the opportunity to develop relationships with genetic sibling. This, we are learning, is an important part of development and identity formation. There are adverse outcomes that can develop, including possible genetic sexual attraction (GSA), accidental meet-up and romantic relationships between genetic kin, and impacts on the identified biological family when a biological child appears later in life, after the family identity has already been established.

It is easy to understand how adoptees and donor-conceived adults often express frustration over being treated as property or a commodity rather than individuals with rights equal to those who are kept in their genetic families from birth. Some use the term “second class citizen” to describe how they are treated by the rest of the world who often seem to ignore, dismiss, or challenge the points made.

We are learning that genetic identity is a critical component to the development of personal identity and feelings of connectedness — to others, to family, to the world. (Read more about genealogical bewilderment and identity disruption in this post.) Let’s add on here that donor anonymity is a thing of the past, and that hasn’t been addressed in articles I have read about this family’s use of a donor embryo (yet). (Read more about the death of donor anonymity and how you can prepare if you were an anonymous egg, sperm, or embryo donor in the past.)

Modern science can allow us to do things that weren't always possible, but does that mean it should be done?

What are your thoughts on this story?  Leave your comment below. I’ll read and respond to each one.

-Brianne, Watershed DNA Founder