Egg donation can be anonymous, non-anonymous, open, known or arranged through a mixed system. The main difference is how much identifying information is shared between the donor, recipient and donor-conceived child, and whether contact may become possible in the future.
The available arrangement is not always a personal choice. Egg donation rules vary between countries, and the donor model available can therefore influence where treatment takes place.
This guide provides a clear overview of the different donor arrangements across Europe, the legal rights of recipients and donors, and the potential implications for donor-conceived children. Whether you’re researching before starting the process or seeking reassurance about future rights, this article will help you navigate your options and make informed decisions.
- Anonymous vs Non-anonymous, Open or Known Egg Donation – Summary
- Anonymous vs Non-Anonymous, Open and Known Egg Donation: Key Differences
- Anonymous egg donation
- Non-anonymous egg donation
- Open donation
- Known donor
- Mixed anonymity
- Donor anonymity in popular destinations for IVF with donor eggs
- Anonymous egg donation: Pros and cons
- Non-anonymous egg donation: Pros and cons
- Known egg donation: Pros and cons
- Information you receive about an egg donor: country to country
- Guidance for prospective egg donors
- Finding the right egg donor
- Anonymous or non-anonymous, open or known – Final thoughts
- FAQ
- Is it better to have anonymous or - non-anonymous donor for the treatment?
- Should I choose an anonymous egg donor?
- What is anonymous egg donation?
- How to find your anonymous egg donor?
- What is non anonymous egg donation?
- Is egg donation anonymous in the U.K.?
- Which countries allow non anonymous egg donation?
- What is an open donor?
- Are all egg donors anonymous?
- Does an egg donor have rights?
- Can a child find their egg donor?
Anonymous vs Non-anonymous, Open or Known Egg Donation – Summary
- Four core models: Anonymous, Non-anonymous (identity-release at 18), Open, Known; some clinics offer “mixed” semi-open options.
- Full anonymity is legally required in Spain, Greece, the Czech Republic and North Cyprus; the UK mandates identity release.
- Pros of anonymity: firm boundaries and privacy; cons: child cannot access genetic identity.
- Pros of non-anonymity/open: transparency, future contact possible; cons: potential donor shortage, unwanted obligations.
- Country snapshot shows Portugal, Denmark and the USA offering both anonymous and identity-release pathways.
- Europe logs > 25 000 donor-egg IVF cycles a year; Spain alone handles more than half, thanks to large donor pools and strict confidentiality laws.
- Always verify exactly what donor information (phenotype, education, medical history) a clinic will share.
Anonymous vs Non-Anonymous, Open and Known Egg Donation: Key Differences
| Donor arrangement | Is donor identity available? | Can the child potentially identify/contact the donor? | Existing relationship required? | Main characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous donor | No identifiable information is shared | No, under the anonymous arrangement | No | Donor identity remains confidential |
| Non-anonymous donor | Identifying information can become available | Yes, usually when the child reaches the age of consent | No | Identity-release arrangement |
| Open donor | Identifiable information may be shared | Potentially | No | Donor and recipient may exchange details and may agree to contact |
| Known donor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Donor is already known to the recipient |
| Mixed/semi-open donor | Limited information may initially be shared | Potentially | No | Level of contact or information sharing can change according to the arrangement |
Anonymous egg donation
IVF using an anonymous egg donation is offered in a number of European countries including Spain, Greece, and the Czech Republic. It refers to an arrangement where the identity of the donor is anonymous – no identifiable information will be shared with the recipient or the resulting child. In some countries, a limited amount of information about the donor may be shared such as physical characteristics (i.e., hair, skin, eye colour). Recipients or resulting children will never be able to request additional information about the donor.
Countries where anonymous egg donation is legally mandated include:
- Spain – One of the most popular destinations for donor egg IVF, Spain enforces strict donor anonymity laws. Patients can access general donor characteristics but no identifying details.
- Greece – Similar to Spain, Greece protects donor identity while allowing recipients to receive limited non-identifiable donor information.
- Czech Republic – Anonymity is legally required, making it a preferred option for those who want full confidentiality in donor selection.
- North Cyprus – Anonymity is legally required, with donors’ identities kept confidential. Liberal regulations and affordability make it a popular choice for egg donation.
Recipients who choose IVF in these countries typically do so for the security of full anonymity, lower costs compared to the UK or the US, and access to a large donor pool.
Non-anonymous egg donation
Non-anonymous egg donation is the opposite of anonymous donation. The core difference is that the egg donor agrees to share their identifiable personal information with any person born as a result of their donation once they reach the age of consent, usually at 18. All gamete donations are legally applied as non-anonymous in countries such as the U.K. The umbrella term, ‘non-anonymous can refer to three types of donors: known, open or mixed.
Open donation
The term ‘Open Donor’ is similar to that of the ‘known donor’ however there is no need for an existing relationship to be in place. An example of an open donor relationship might be when the donor and recipient agree to exchange details and identifiable information but have a relaxed approach to formally meeting. Any such meeting would not be seen as imperative for the relationship to work.
Known donor
The term ‘Known Donor’ signifies a close, existing relationship between donor and recipient. This relationship could be familial, or friendship-based and stems from a clear understanding of what is expected of the donor, recipient and any child born as a result of the treatment.
Mixed anonymity
A ‘mixed’ or ‘semi-open door’ refers to an arrangement where a limited amount of information is shared between parties and could involve an intermediary like a lawyer. This type of relationship may be flexible to allow the possibility of greater contact between donor and recipient or donor and child at any time in the future.
Donor anonymity in popular destinations for IVF with donor eggs
The legal framework regarding donor status differs from country to country and within each country individual clinics may interpret the law in slightly different ways. It is, therefore always wise to check directly to enquire which arrangement is offered to donors and recipients.
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The status of a donor and the amount of information which is available to the recipient and ultimately to the child when they reach the age of consent are major drivers for patients as they decide where to begin their fertility treatment. The clinic of your choice will recognise this, and should as a matter of good practice be able to clearly demonstrate what information about the donor will be made available in order to assist you in making a final decision about the country and/or the clinic you wish to visit to undertake treatment.
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The table provides a snapshot of the different arrangements in place regarding donor information and reflects the diverse application undertaken.
| Country | Anonymous egg donors | Non-anonymous egg donors | Known donors | Mixed system | Considered Liberal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Yes (strict) | No | Yes (only for shared motherhood) | No | Yes |
| Portugal | No | Yes | Yes (only for shared motherhood) | No | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Yes | No | No | No | Fairly prescriptive |
| Greece | Yes | No | No | No | Clinic by clinic |
| North Cyprus | Yes | No | No | No | Clinic by clinic |
| Ukraine | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Russia | Yes | No | No | No | Clinic by clinic |
| Latvia | Yes | No | No | No | Fairly prescriptive |
| Poland | Yes | No | No | No | Fairly prescriptive |
| Denmark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UK | No | Yes | Yes | No | Fairly prescriptive |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Anonymous egg donation: Pros and cons
When opting for an IVF procedure that involves an anonymous egg donor there are a number of potential positives/negatives to consider. These include:
Anonymous egg donation pros:
- Boundaries: the donor is not able to contact the parents or child (vice versa)
- Avoidance of potential conflict between donor/parents/child
- Avoidance of explanation/justification to others
Anonymous egg donation cons:
- Boundaries: the donor is not able to contact the parents or child (vice versa)
- The child is not able to participate in the decision-making process
Non-anonymous egg donation: Pros and cons
When opting for an IVF procedure that involves a non-anonymous egg donor there are a number of potential positives/negatives to consider. These include:
Non-anonymous egg donation pros:
- The child born as a result of the treatment if able to contact the donor
- Transparency for all parties
Non-anonymous egg donation cons:
- The child born as a result of the treatment is able to contact the donor against the donor’s wishes
- It could reduce the number of potential donors if their anonymity is removed
Known egg donation: Pros and cons
There are a number of potential positives/negatives to consider. These include:
Pros and cons of known egg donation:
- More information is available
- It is less expensive
- Similar genetics if a familial arrangement is in place
Pros and cons of known egg donation:
- The donor may feel pressured to get involved
- Conflict over parenting decisions
- No legal binding arrangement may be in place
Information you receive about an egg donor: country to country
We have put together a snapshot of the range of information you are likely to receive about a donor if you decide to visit particular countries. In each of the countries mentioned donors would have undergone a series of psychological and physical checks to ensure they are fit to participate in the treatment.
It should be noted that there may be differences offered by clinics within the same country – for instance, some countries like Ukraine, Russia, Greece, or North Cyprus might offer a more liberal or flexible approach that is taken on a clinic-by-clinic basis.
Find the Right IVF Clinic Abroad
Get personalised clinic suggestions, cost clarity, donor options and next-step guidance before you contact clinics.
You should always seek clarification about what specific information about the donor will be shared with you before you make your final decision regarding a treatment provider.
| Country | Egg donor Information |
|---|---|
| Spain | Covers physical characteristics such as hair/eye colour, blood group and age. |
| Portugal | Covers physical characteristics such as hair/eye colour, blood group and age. |
| Czech Republic | Covers physical characteristics such as height, hair and eye colour, blood type as well as level of education, hobbies and interests |
| Greece | Covers height, hair and eye colour, blood type, level of education, occupation and leisure interests |
| North Cyprus | Covers height, hair and eye colour, blood type, level of education, occupation, leisure interests and previous donation history |
| Ukraine | Dependent upon the clinic |
| Russia | Dependent upon the clinic |
Related reading:
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Guidance for prospective egg donors
If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, it’s essential to explore opportunities within your local region. Donating locally offers several benefits:
- Clear legal framework – Understanding local laws ensures that donors are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.
- Comprehensive medical care – Access to nearby fertility clinics allows for thorough medical screening, continuous monitoring, and post-donation support.
- Emotional support – Being close to home makes it easier to receive encouragement from family and friends throughout the process.
Before making a decision, potential donors should consult with accredited fertility clinics or medical professionals. A clear understanding of the medical process, potential risks, and legal considerations will help ensure an informed and comfortable experience.
Finding the right egg donor
For intended parents, egg donor databases provide a structured way to find a suitable match. These databases contain detailed donor profiles, including physical characteristics, medical history, education, and personal interests. This information helps recipients choose a donor who aligns with their preferences.
However, donor information availability varies by country. In some places, only basic details are accessible due to laws protecting donor anonymity. Recipients should check with their chosen fertility clinic to understand what information they can legally access and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Anonymous or non-anonymous, open or known – Final thoughts
The number of IVF treatments involving an egg donor is increasing year on year. The decision to have to involve a donor can be a difficult and complex one which is influenced by the arrangements in place which define the relationship between donor, recipient, and any child born from the treatment.
The good news for anyone having to consider egg donation treatments is that there are choices available. Depending upon your particular needs and wishes you have many options. You can choose an anonymous or non-anonymous donor, someone who is known to you or a hybrid of any of these arrangements. Once you have decided upon the relationship you and your child want with the donor, you can make a decision about receiving treatment in a particular country and/or clinic. If you are in the process of deciding on what type of donor to use, you may want to inquire for more information at these clinics:
- Clinica Tambre (anonymous donors),
- Ferticentro (non-anonymous donors),
- Embio Medical Centre (anonymous donors),
- UR Vistahermosa (anonymous donors),
- Instituto Bernabeu – Alicante (also anonymous donors).
FAQ
Is it better to have anonymous or - non-anonymous donor for the treatment?
This is simply up to you – there are arguments for and against. If you are in any doubt about choosing either option speak to your clinic or ideally an independent counsellor or coach that has experience of donor conception.
Should I choose an anonymous egg donor?
Your decision may be out of your hands if you live in a country that only works with anonymous donors – if however, you are prepared to travel you will have a number of options. The choice whether to receive an anonymous donation will be based on your personal circumstances and any consultations you have with your clinic or fertility specialist.
What is anonymous egg donation?
This is where the identity of the donor is unknown - no identifiable information will be shared with the recipient or resulting child.
How to find your anonymous egg donor?
Your choice of clinic will be able to advise on this. They have their own bank of donors who have been personally selected or use the services of a dedicated egg bank.
What is non anonymous egg donation?
This is where the egg donor agrees to share her personal identifiable information with the recipient and any child born as a result of the treatment when the child reaches the age of consent.
Is egg donation anonymous in the U.K.?
No, since 2005 all egg donors have had to give consent that identifiable information would be made available to any child born as a result of their donation when that child reaches 18 (on request).
Which countries allow non anonymous egg donation?
There are increasing numbers of European countries that offer non-anonymous egg donors but the leading ones that perform the most treatments are the U.K., Portugal, and Denmark.
What is an open donor?
This arrangement is when a donor and recipient may decide to share certain details and may be open to physically meeting but any such decision would be made mutually.
Are all egg donors anonymous?
No, this this will depend on the country in which the donation is made and the agreement between the donor and body responsible for arranging the procedure i.e., a fertility clinic or egg bank.
Does an egg donor have rights?
This is a complicated area and one which depends on the country in which the donation is mased and what sort of contract or agreement in place between the donor, clinic, recipient and any child born from the procedure. If you have any concerns speak to your treatment provider and if necessary, seek legal advice.
Can a child find their egg donor?
This is dependent upon the arrangement when the donation was made. This wouldn’t be an issue if the donor were known or in some cased where the arrangement was open/mixed and both parties had agreed for personal data to be shared. In those countries that only offer non-anonymous donors the child can find out about the donor when they reach 18. In other circumstances there is the increased possibility that any child might be able to track potential donors using the various DNA/family origin platforms which exist.
