Egg donation is a common pathway to parenthood for many hopeful parents, accounting for a meaningful minority of 10-15% of all IVF cycles in the United States. See SART National Summary Report.
One of the most important distinctions among donor egg IVF cycles is the type of egg donation arrangement available to intended parents and donors. From fully anonymous (closed) arrangements to fully open (directed) arrangements, each structure carries legal, emotional, and practical considerations. Understanding your options is critical to making an informed choice that aligns with your values, expectations, and long-term family-building goals.
This overview guide explores the spectrum of egg donation arrangements, with a focus on helping intended parents, donors, and fertility professionals better understand how different types of egg donation arrangements work.
What Is an Egg Donation Arrangement?
An egg donation arrangement refers to the third party reproductive agreement in which one woman provides her eggs to help another person or couple have a baby. Egg donation agreements are contracts drafted in support of egg donation arrangements adhering to the relevant laws addressing egg donation and parentage through assisted reproduction and outlining clear expectations about roles, privacy and confidentiality, future contact, and communication.
According to ASRM, an egg donation arrangement is best understood as:
A structured medical, legal, and ethical relationship in which a woman (the donor) provides oocytes for use by another individual or couple (the intended parent[s]), governed by informed consent and defined agreements addressing parental rights, information sharing, and responsibilities.
A properly drafted egg donation agreement defines the level of identifying information shared and the nature of communication between the egg donor and the intended parent(s)—both during the process and after a child is born.
These arrangements generally fall into three categories:
- Closed (anonymous)
- Semi-open (identity-protected with limited communication)
- Open (identity-known with potential ongoing contact)
Each option has implications for privacy, future contact, and the child’s access to genetic origins.
1. Closed (Anonymous) Egg Donation Arrangements
Overview
In a closed egg donation arrangement, the donor and intended parents do not know each other’s identities. Communication, if any, is handled through an intermediary such as an agency, clinic, attorney, or platform such as EDC Nexus.
Key Features
- No identifying information is exchanged
- Profiles are shared in a de-identified format
- No direct contact before or after the donation
- Future contact is typically not anticipated
Advantages
- Strong privacy protections for both parties
- Clear boundaries and expectations
- Often simpler from a logistical and emotional standpoint
Considerations
- The child may have limited access to their genetic background
- Future medical updates may be harder to obtain
- Increasing trends toward openness may impact how children feel about anonymity later in life
Closed arrangements were once the standard in egg donation, but their prevalence is decreasing as perspectives on genetic transparency evolve. In 2026 and beyond, direct-to-consumer DNA testing has made it possible to identify donors or relatives of donor conceived children, who may independently choose to seek out their genetic connections. While closed egg donation arrangements are the right choice for some intended parents and donors, the future interests of the child are also a factor to be be considered.
2. Semi-Open Egg Donation Arrangements
Overview
A semi-open egg donation arrangement allows for limited, structured communication between the donor and intended parents, typically without revealing identifying information.
Key Features
- Communication occurs through a third party (agency, platform, or attorney)
- First names or pseudonyms may be used
- Messages, updates, or photos may be exchanged
- No direct identifying details (e.g., last names, addresses) are shared
Advantages
- Balances privacy with connection
- Allows intended parents and donors to ask questions during the process
- Enables limited future communication, such as updates about the child
Considerations
- Boundaries must be clearly defined in legal agreements
- Expectations about frequency and type of communication should be managed carefully
- Risk of unintended identification over time (especially with social media and genetic testing)
Semi-open arrangements are now the most common arrangement, reflecting a compromise of competing priorities including: privacy, clear parental roles, limited donor obligation, emotional boundaries, and openness without intimate involvement. Semi-open egg donation arrangements offer flexibility while maintaining anonymity and providing the future child(ren) with access to information and the possibility of a relationship with their donor.
3. Open Egg Donation Arrangements
Overview
In an open egg donation arrangement, the donor and intended parents share identifying information and may have direct communication both during and after the donation process.
Key Features
- Full or partial identity disclosure
- Direct communication (email, phone, videoconference, or in-person meetings)
- Potential for an ongoing relationship
- Agreements may include future contact with the child(ren)
Advantages
- Transparency for all parties
- Easier access to medical history updates
- Supports a child’s ability to understand their genetic origins
- Can foster meaningful, positive relationships
Considerations
- Requires strong boundary-setting and clear expectations
- Emotional complexity for all parties
- Legal agreements must carefully address future contact and clearly define roles
Open egg donation arrangements reflect a broader cultural shift toward openness in assisted reproduction and are increasingly preferred by intended parents who prioritize transparency for their future child. Open egg donation arrangements require carefully drafted legal contracts with a focus on managing future expectations of the parties and boundaries including scope, frequency, and methods of contact.
Legal Considerations in Egg Donation Arrangements
Regardless of the type of egg donation arrangement, a well-drafted egg donation agreement is essential. These agreements typically address:
- Parental rights and obligations
- Confidentiality and privacy provisions
- Communication expectations
- Medical and genetic information sharing
- Future contact (if any)
- Future disposition of remaining donor eggs and embryos;
It is especially important that both donors and intended parents have independent legal counsel as part of the parties’ contracting process to ensure individual interests are discussed and all parties are fully protected.
Choosing the Right Egg Donation Arrangement
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The “right” arrangement depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Personal comfort with privacy vs. openness
- Cultural or ethical beliefs
- Long-term considerations for the child
- The preferences of the intended parents
- The preferences of the donor
Intended parents should also consider how they plan to talk to their child about their origins and what level of access to genetic information they want to preserve. Regardless of the type of egg donation arrangement entered, the parties can at a minimum promise to relay any medical information relevant to the resulting child(ren), whether such information is provided directly between the parties or through an intermediary such as the agency, a donor connection platform, or an attorney.
The Evolving Landscape of Egg Donation
Advances in direct-to-consumer genetic testing and changing social norms are reshaping expectations around anonymity. Even in closed arrangements, the possibility of future identification cannot be fully eliminated. Additionally, now that we have qualitative and quantitative data about donor conceived people, the future interests and desires of a child resulting from egg donation must be considered when entering into any donation arrangement. Intended parents and donors alike must think beyond the immediate process and consider the long-term implications for the future child.
Final Thoughts
Egg donation is not just a medical process, it is a deeply personal and legal journey. Whether you choose a closed, semi-open, or open donation arrangement, the key is making an informed decision with clear expectations, professional support, and strong legal guidance.
If you are considering egg donation or are in the process of deciding on the type of donation arrangement that best suits you, engaging an experienced fertility attorney to discuss considerations can provide invaluable insight. Visit our website at https://www.ivfesq.com or contact us to learn how we can support you through every step of your fertility journey.
