Research Outputs
Research Database with DC Network
Dr Kitty Jones and Dr Sophie Zadeh worked in collaboration with the Donor Conception Network to create a public database of research in the field as part of the Young Adults Study. The database aims to summarise the social scientific research on donor conception published since the year 2000. The criteria for research to be included in the database were: (i) study must be based in the UK; or (ii) study must be based (in whole or in part) on UK participants; or (iii) study must be about an under-researched topic. The database can be accessed here.
Response to the HFEA consultation
We responded to the HFEA's consultation in April 2023 using data from our interviews with 33 young adults aged between 18-31. At that time, the HFEA were seeking views on donor information. They asked:
- Should clinics be required by law to inform donors and recipients of potential donor identification through DNA testing websites?
- Should the HFE Act be amended to provide parental and donor choice to opt for anonymity until age 18 or identifiable information after the birth of a child?
- Should the HFE Act require all donors and recipients to have implications counselling before treatment?
You can read our response here.
Publication in BioNews
We published a short commentary in BioNews. This commentary provides a brief overview of the existing research on donor conceived adolescents and adults, and explains why we decided to do a nationwide survey of donor conceived adults. You can read the piece here.
Publication in Reproductive BioMedicine Online
We published a short communication based on findings from our nationwide survey of donor conceived adults. The article focusses on recommendations for practice from donor conceived adults who are searching for and making genetic connections. You can read it here.
Presentations
The findings from our project have been presented at the following events and conferences:
Stories of donor conception in the UK
Evening Event, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, UCL, May 2022
Donor conceived young adults
Thomas Coram Research Unit Lunchtime Seminar, Social Research Institute, UCL, May 2022
Researching experiences of donor conceived children, young people and young adults
Donor Conception Network Annual Conference, April 2022
Direct-to-consumer DNA testing and donor conception
Repro@UCL Seminar, UCL, December 2021