Understanding Egg Donor Privacy: What Identity-Restricted Donation Really Means
by MyEggBankOctober 29th, 2025
When you’re considering egg donation, whether as an intended parent or a donor, questions about privacy and identity are natural. You may be wondering: Who gets to know what? Will my personal information be shared? What does “identity-restricted” really mean?
At MyEggBank, we believe that clarity builds trust. Our goal is to give every donor and recipient family a full understanding of how privacy is protected throughout the process and what identity-restricted donation truly looks like in practice.
What “Identity-Restricted” Means at MyEggBank
Egg donation through MyEggBank is identity-restricted, which means a donor’s personal identity is not shared with the recipients of her eggs. Intended parents can review a donor’s medical history, family background, education, interests, and childhood photos, but they will never receive her full name or contact details.
Some donors may also choose to include an adult photo in their profile, while others prefer to share only childhood images. However, every donor submits an adult photo as part of the application process, even if they opt not to share it with recipients. These photos are viewed only by MyEggBank’s clinical staff to help describe a donor’s general appearance and physical similarities to potential recipients. The image itself is never shown to recipients or displayed publicly.
To maintain confidentiality, donors are also not informed about the outcomes of their donations. They won’t know whether a pregnancy occurred or if a child was born from their donation.
This structure allows for each side’s privacy to be respected, and every outcome is handled with care and discretion.
Why We Use the Term “Identity-Restricted”
In the past, this process was often referred to as “anonymous egg donation.” However, that term doesn’t quite fit today’s world. At one time, anonymity seemed absolute — donors and recipients had no contact, and their identities were thought to remain confidential if never shared. But with the rise of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, that level of anonymity can no longer be guaranteed.
Even if a donor or donor-conceived individual never participates in genetic testing themselves, a relative who does may reveal a genetic connection through shared DNA. These discoveries can happen years or even decades later, entirely outside the control of fertility programs or medical professionals.
That’s why MyEggBank and other leading fertility networks now use the term identity-restricted donation. It more accurately reflects the reality of modern family building: while a donor’s identity remains confidential at the time of donation, genetic relationships can sometimes be discovered independently. The shift in language is about honesty, transparency, and helping both donors and intended parents understand the possibilities that come with today’s technology.
Option for Identity Release
Some donors choose to allow their identity to be shared if a donor-conceived individual requests it after reaching adulthood. With this option, upon turning 18, a donor-conceived child may contact MyEggBank to formally request the donor’s identifying information. Importantly, this process only occurs if the donor has previously given permission by signing an affidavit confirming her consent, and it requires the child — not the parents — to initiate the request.
It’s also entirely possible that no contact will ever be made. Not every donor-conceived person chooses to learn more about their donor, and not every parent discloses the use of a donor to their child.
Even if identity is chosen to be shared, donors are never expected to initiate contact, maintain communication, or assume any ongoing role in the child’s life. The identity release option is about access to information, not about changing relationships or responsibilities.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Whether or not a donor chooses the identity-release option, the legal rights and responsibilities of everyone involved remain clearly defined. Donors are never legally or financially responsible for any child born from their eggs. Intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents from birth and hold all parental rights and responsibilities. The sharing of identifying information does not alter the legal relationship between donors, recipients, or the children conceived through donation. Identity release is simply a personal choice that allows for access to information, not about changing relationships or responsibilities.
Start Your Journey with MyEggBank
If you have questions about how identity-restricted donation works or want to learn more about becoming a donor, MyEggBank is here to guide you. Our team is committed to transparency, compassion, and helping every family move forward with confidence. Contact us today to start the conversation.