Open vs Anonymous Donors: What Indian Fertility Banks Provide
- sproutingseedsartb
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Choosing a sperm or egg donor is a major step in any fertility journey. In India, many couples wonder whether to choose an open donor or an anonymous one. Open donors may agree to future contact, while anonymous donors remain unidentified. Indian laws currently support only anonymous donation to protect donor privacy and reduce legal complications. Most
fertility banks in Mumbai follow this regulation and offer well-screened anonymous donor profiles. Understanding these options helps couples make informed, legally safe choices for their treatment.
What Is Open vs Anonymous Donation?
Open Donation refers to a process where the donor consents to share their identity with the child once the child reaches a certain age. This approach promotes transparency by allowing the child access to their genetic background. It also opens the possibility for future communication between the donor and the child, provided both parties are willing.
Anonymous Donation, on the other hand, ensures that the donor's identity remains confidential. In this model, the recipient couple receives only limited information about the donor, such as their physical features, education, profession, blood type, and ethnicity. The donor and the recipient family do not meet or exchange any personal contact, maintaining complete anonymity.
Key Differences Between Donor Types
In an open donation, the donor’s identity can be shared with the child at a later stage. This means the child can learn who their donor is when they grow up. Open donation also gives full access to the donor’s genetic background, which can be helpful for medical or personal reasons. There is a chance for future contact between the donor and the child if both agree. Because of the possible connection later on, the donor needs to be emotionally prepared and ready for some level of involvement in the future.
In an anonymous donation, the donor’s identity stays private forever. The child and the parents only receive basic information like the donor’s looks, job, education, blood type, and ethnicity. There is no chance for future contact between the donor and the child. Since no personal connection is expected, emotional involvement is usually minimal.
What Fertility clinic in India Offer Today
Most fertility banks in India, including those in Mumbai, primarily offer anonymous donations. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021 mandates strict privacy around donor identity.
However, some clinics may collect extended donor information to store for medical reasons or future needs. Fertility storage facilities ensure that donor gametes remain safe, labeled, and traceable without revealing identity.
Legal Aspects and Current Regulations
India’s ART Act 2021 outlines:
All donations must be anonymous
Donors can only donate once
Fertility clinics must maintain a secure donor registry for ten years
These laws aim to prevent misuse, protect donor rights, and ensure transparency in the surrogacy and fertility process.
Choosing What’s Right for You
While Indian law allows only anonymous donations, understanding both models helps couples make informed decisions. If knowing the donor matters to you, consider storing detailed non-identifiable donor traits or genetic history.
Always choose a licensed fertility bank in Mumbai that follows legal and ethical practices.
Informed Choices Build Healthy Families
Choosing the right donor is a personal and important decision for any couple. Understanding the difference between open and anonymous donation helps you make a choice that suits your values and future goals. In India, laws and regulations guide what’s allowed, so it’s important to stay informed. Always check with your doctor about the latest updates and legal options. Mumbai fertility clinics offer expert guidance to help you through this journey. With the right support and knowledge, couples can move forward with confidence and clarity.
FAQS
1. Are anonymous sperm donors allowed in India?
Ans: Yes, anonymous donations are the only legal option under the ART Act 2021.
2. What information do fertility banks provide about donors?
Ans: They provide non-identifiable traits like age, height, education, and medical history.
3. How do fertility banks store donor information?
Ans: They use secure systems to track and store records for up to ten years as required by law.
4. Can I meet my sperm or egg donor in India?
Ans: No. Indian law does not permit personal contact between donors and recipients.
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